http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=8905
"Apple's iTunes Music Store Europe may launch with limited tracks from UK independent labels, sources claim.
A source from within the UK's Association of Independent Music (AIM) explained: 'Talks have been ongoing over the weekend, but I'm hearing they broke down today.'"
" Independent US label Six Degrees – which has experienced "excellent results" on Apple's US Music Store – has declined to sign up for Apple's European service. Sources say this is because the terms on offer from Apple were unaccptable to the company.
While Macworld doesn't possess full details regarding Apple's negotiations with the independent labels yet, it appears the computer company is attempting to implement deals the independents consider to be "commercial suicide" in the offline world."