Access Industries, along with Warner Music Group, Sony BMG and Russian music labels Soyuz and Nikitin Records, today announced the launch of Digital Access to facilitate the wholesale distribution of a wide range of local and international music products to Russia and CIS. Digital Access content will include full-track audio downloads, ringtones, ring-back tones, video clips and full color images, serving rights owners, content providers, mobile operators and on-line stores. Alexander Vaisblat, who previously was with Independent Network Television Holding (TV3 Russia), has been named as GM. The company’s headquarters will be in Moscow and operations will begin in the fall of 2007.

“We look forward to accelerating the digital revolution in Russia and CIS with our music partners, providing the wholesale platform of choice for mobile and digital providers,” says Access Industries CEO Lincoln Benet. “We feel Access Industries brings valuable market expertise to the new venture.”

“I feel extremely fortunate to be joining this synergy of respected investment and digital music professionals at the launching stage of Digital Access,” adds Vaisblat. “I am looking forward to taking up responsibility for maximizing the opportunities arising from the inevitable transition to digital entertainment that is occurring in Russia and the CIS.”

Warner Music International Chairman and CEO Patrick Vien comments, “This is a strategic investment that we believe will play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of the dynamic Russian music market. By bringing together first-class global and local content, we are creating a one-stop shop for those DSP’s and mobile operators who value excellence, and ease of interface. We see this as a transformational initiative that will help digital and mobile partners deliver the highest-quality music experience to their customers.”