Another one bites the dust

According to a number of people, it seems that German distributor Neuton will close down next week. The company, which distributes well-known labels like Tresor, Perlon and Rephlex (in Germany), looks likely to join a long list of vinyl distributors that have gone out of business since the start of this decade, including EFA, Prime, Integrale, Intergroove UK and Amato. With just Word & Sound, Kompakt and Intergroove Germany left as major distributors in Germany if Neuton's demise is confirmed, it may lead to more consolidation in the vinyl sector and will inevitably make it more difficult for both established and upcoming labels to release in that format.