Another distributor goin' belly up

[Andrew Allsgood]

Well, Fusion 3, once Canada's best independent importer/distributor is about to close it's doors. Looks like their recent "strategic alliance" with EMI (was to be Fusion's saving grace) has turned out to have been the final nail in the coffin.
Today they let go all of their label managers and sales reps (me included, without any compensation packages....thanks!) in a second round of cuts that has gutted the company.
Lagging retail sales combined with EMI's failure to handle the large catalogue are sited as reasons for the demise.
I'm not sure where they stand with the distributed labels but I'm sure there are many small labels out there that'll not see any $$$ owed.
I'll keep you posted on the goings on.
I'm sure some DJHers that had business dealings with Fusion will find this news interesting.
I'll keep you posted on this situation as I find out more.

Merry fucking Christmas.

[jaime s]

holy crap andrew. sorry to hear that i don't understand how they can let you go with no compensation? is that even legal?

[Andrew Allsgood]

Originally Posted by jaime s

holy crap andrew. sorry to hear that i don't understand how they can let you go with no compensation? is that even legal?

I'm speaking with my lawyer this weekend.
Wanna book me for a gig? Christmas party.....bar mitzvah.....stag? I'm your man!

[Red Rack'em]

Shit - sorry to hear that Andrew! I hope that things improves for you asap!

[Computer Disco Dan]

sorry to hear about that andrew mate..

It was this same time last year that amato went bust!

[Brad V]

Sorry to hear about this. The field narrows. It's definitely getting slim over here.

[chris keyz]

well that's just crap news - Andrew sorry man! what r your plans???

[Electricminds]

yes sorry to hear that, its very tough times for distributors and retailers. also another example at EMI's often poor handling of business. unfortunately its usually the staff and smaller labels that get hit the hardest when distributors go under. not sure what the laws are like in canada but in the uk employess that work for a company when it goes into administration can claim compensation from the government. i think its capped at £250 a week though

[Andrew Allsgood]

Originally Posted by chris keyz

well that's just crap news - Andrew sorry man! what r your plans???

Get drunk and start going back to DJing 3-4 times a week....for now! WOrk on some music and keep my ear to the ground for new job opps, which I was doing anyway ; )

[Andrew Allsgood]

Originally Posted by Electricminds

yes sorry to hear that, its very tough times for distributors and retailers. also another example at EMI's often poor handling of business. unfortunately its usually the staff and smaller labels that get hit the hardest when distributors go under. not sure what the laws are like in canada but in the uk employess that work for a company when it goes into administration can claim compensation from the government. i think its capped at £250 a week though

Imagine a company with a president/owner that is a grossly incompetent as EMI.......
4 months after the merger EMI Canada close its publishing division,cans all its sale reps and deep sixes it's new "partner" with over 1000 distributed labels.
All of our indy shops that Fusion was doing $1000- $2000 in weekly sales with were completly shut out as soon as EMI took over........Only the Walmarts and HMV's of this market were looked after properly.....well, not even properly, actually. I think it's only a matter of time b4 Terrafirma cuts their losses and shuts down EMI worlwide and sells their assets as well. Probably to Universal......then they can own 50-60% of the worldwide music market.

Talk about a monopoly!!!