Indy bands like the White Stripes, the Libertines and Franz Ferdinand are to be available on Apple's iTunes download service.

It comes after a deal resolved a dispute between Apple and the independent labels which meant they were not part of iTunes' European launch in June.


The labels complained they were being dictated unreasonable terms by Apple but the Association of Indie Music has secured terms it says are "on a par with those agreed by the majors".

Aim chairman Alison Wenham told the BBC: "The industry's future is wedded to the success of iTunes and similar services.

"It's great news for fans and industry alike that music from some of Europe's leading acts will soon be available on this service."

Aim said labels including Beggars Group, XL and Sanctuary had already signed with iTunes.

"Several hundred labels across Europe are expected to sign the agreement in the near future, bringing many of the world's most exciting acts to the service," a statement said.

Aim said it could not reveal details of the deal, but there was now a standard contract for independent labels to use.

"Terms have now been offered by iTunes that address the independents' concerns fully," the statement said.