Universal Music Group has submitted its response to European Commission concerns over its acquisition of Downtown Music, describing it as a "robust remedy". The EC has set a new provisional deadline of 27 February for its decision on the deal. The regulators' primary objection centres on commercially sensitive data held by Downtown's royalty-processing division Curve. A UMG spokesperson referenced "the Commission's only remaining concern" and expressed confidence the transaction will be cleared swiftly. It remains unclear whether UMG will divest Curve or implement data safeguards. European independent music body Impala continues opposing the deal, calling for the EC to block it entirely, citing concerns about data commonalities across Downtown's services including FUGA, CD Baby and Songtrust.

Eva Karman Reinhold, chairwoman of Swedish industry body SOM and Impala board member, criticizes UMG's plan to acquire Downtown Music. Published on Musikindustrin, her piece argues the deal reduces choice, harms indie labels, and could lead to anti-competitive data use. She refutes PIAS founder Kenny Gates' claim that Impala represents only a small part of the independent sector, emphasizing the distinction between professional indie labels and the DIY music scene.