03/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - During its general conference on Friday 29 June in London, IMPALA, the European Independent Music Companies Association, appointed Helen Smith to the post of general secretary. Ms Smith replaces Philippe Kern, who will be working in close collaboration with the association in a consulting capacity. Patrick Zelnik, the association's president, said: “When we started IMPALA, cultural diversity and creativity were not part of the debate in Brussels. Thanks to IMPALA and the efforts of campaigners such as Helen and Philippe, this has changed”. IMPALA now plays an important role in European culture policy, especially regarding mergers between multinational music companies. It was IMPALA that took action against the Commission at the Court of First Instance with a view to cancelling approval of the Sony/BMG merger in July 2006 (EUROPE 9232). It also contributed to market analyses to help the Commission assess the impact that the mergers envisaged (Warner/EMI, Universal/BMG) would have on the music publishing market. (cd)