The second-largest of the "big four" music companies of the world – Sony Music Entertainment (SME) on Wednesday announced that it has made investment in longtime independent digital music-distribution (business) company – Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA).

Without disclosing the percentage of acquisition, the music biggie controlled by Sony Corporation of America, SME declared that it has acquired part of IODA. SME said that it has partnered with IODA to create distribution and services network for independent rights holders (IRH).

According to the media reports, Sony Music Chief Executive Officer Rolf Schmidt-Holtz said pursuit of Britain's EMI, the label owning the music of The Beatles, was not out of the question.

The New York Post reported on Monday that Schmidt-Holtz said, "We are in a position that allows us to seize every opportunity in the market, including EMI."

It was also noted by the report that EMI is owned by private equity firm Terra Firma Capital Partners, which borrowed $4.73 billion from Citigroup to purchase EMI in 2007.