Adele's record label attacks Universal-EMI deal Martin Mills, chairman and founder of the company which has lodged a complaint with the competition authorities, said that although Universal is an "effective marketing machine for pop music," it stands to squeeze out "edgy, left-field" artists who can make a real mark on Britain's musical culture in the way that Elvis, Oasis or even the Prodigy have done in the past. In an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Mr Mills said Universal's proposed £1.2bn bid to buy the recorded music division of EMI risked creating a "lowest common denominator music market," because it would end up depriving niche artists of the retail space and publicity they need to become successful. In 2011, independent record labels sold 23.5m albums in the UK, helped by Adele's success. Together they ranked second to Universal, which notched up 30.9m album sales, and far ahead of Sony, which sold 18.2m. Mr Mills added: "Look at people from Elvis Presley to Prodigy to Oasis. All of those came from tiny labels. They all came up with something amazing, and the market was open enough to allow them to bloom and flourish. That's the opposite to the intention of this deal. Beggars Group, whose XL label signed Adele, has complained to the European and US competition authorities. The European Union regulator opened a full investigation into the proposed takeover last month, saying it "could reduce competition in the recorded music market to the detriment of European consumers." It will deliver its verdict on August 8. Other independent music labels and Warner Music have also lodged complaints. Mr Mills said the competition authorities appeared to recognise Britain's cultural future was at stake. Universal declined to comment.