MP3.com branches into Europe

Online music company MP3.com says it has inked a deal with European music distributor Imagesound to broaden its music service abroad. Under the deal, MP3.com will provide Imagesound with Web-based technology and music content that will be offered by subscription to businesses. Imagesound has been supplying 4,000 of the United Kingdom's retail stores and other businesses with background music since it launched in 1998. MP3.com said the partnership provides it with increased exposure into Europe and new revenue streams. The announcement comes shortly after Vivendi Universal agreed to acquire MP3.com.