Los Angeles - Merlin, a newly-created trade group that will represent independent record labels in online negotiations worldwide, on Monday announced its official launch and the appointment of a 15-member board.

The labels represented account for 30% of worldwide music sales, and 80% of all new releases.

Merlin appointed five board members in each of three regional sectors: North America, Europe, and the rest of the world.

Those named to the board include IODA CEO Kevin Arnold and Koch Records president Bob Frank for North America, and Beggars Group chairman Martin Mills in Europe.

The board's first order of business will be to elect a chairman and finalize its mandate.

"The independents finally have the vehicle to ensure the value of their music be properly recognized and their common interests represented on a global scale," said Merlin CEO Charles Caldas.

"I am confident that the future will show the formation of Merlin as a key moment in rebalancing the business environment for independent labels."

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