After 25 years handling a wealth of deep catalogue of ethnic, comedy, jazz and blues titles, Fusion Distribution 111 has been forced to seek bankruptcy protection. The West family owned operation has shut a Toronto office and let go most of the company’s head-office staff in Montreal.

First reported by Billboard magazine earlier today, principal owner Jim West says it is going to be tough to reorganize the operation. The long respected music company represented as many as 600 independent labels from Europe, Asia and South America. The court protection results from a confluence of events that include fewer record stores, smaller retail catalogue sections, lacklustre CD sales, and a distressed dollar.

The company has 30 days to restructure its business. In Aug., Fusion 111 merged some of its backshop operations into EMI Canada’s sales and marketing machinery in an attempt to lower overhead. West, his son Justin and accountant Mort Sachs are the principal owners and creditors. Jim West also owns Justin’ Time Records and several other imprints, including Rising Sun and Secret City, with catalogues comprising as many as 300 predominantly jazz and blues recordings.

Jim West has contributed greatly to the music industry in Canada, serving as the chair of FACTOR, CIRPA and CARAS over the years.  West was the first to sign Diana Kral and his current roster includes a number of titles by Oliver Jones, as well as popular edge band Plants & Animals.