Release Consulting, an independent IT consultancy specialising in the music and entertainment industry, has finalised an agreement with Universal Music Group (UMG), one of the world's leading music companies, to service its international IT Digital Initiatives (ITDI) department.

Release was previously the in-house unit at Universal Music Group International (UMGI) in London, managing its ITDI and digital supply chain programmes. UMGI is responsible for Universal Music's businesses in the world outside North America.

The new company, based in West London, aims to offer programme and project management, business analysis, technology solutions and support services to the wider industry, whilst continuing to provide Universal Music with such services.

Will Lovegrove, managing director, Release Consulting, said, "The IT skills and business analysis expertise that have delivered good results for Universal Music Group International will be in demand from other media and entertainment companies who are facing, or will face, the same challenges that the music industry is facing today. I believe Release Consulting is well placed to help those companies with those challenges."

Rahmyn Kress, managing director, supply chain management at Universal Music Group International said, "The ITDI team under Will Lovegrove has had a successful track record in designing, constructing and supporting a number of UMGI's IT systems. Now Release Consulting will provide project management and support services, and we're pleased to have the continuity and expertise that Will and his team represent.