MusicNow, founded as FullAudio in 1999 and based in Chicago, was bought by Circuit City in 2004 and has 40 employees. AOL Music Now will operate as a standalone subsidiary within AOL, which in turn is a subsidiary of Time Warner. http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/index.cfm?newsid=5266
FullAudio's investors include New Enterprise Associates, William Harris Investors (WHI) Ventures Fund I, Rocket Ventures, Millennium Technology Ventures, Odyssey Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates, Venture Strategy Partners, Kettle Partners and IDEO Ventures. http://news.com.com/FullAudio+gets+new+music,+funding/2100-1023_3-937295.html
From CC's 2004 annual report... In April 2004, Circuit City Direct expanded its online presence through the acquisition of the assets of MusicNow, a leading digital music platform. Circuit City will integrate MusicNow's platform into circuitcity.com as well as its stores. Additionally, MusicNow will retain its own brand and will continue to execute on its strategy of empowering third parties to launch digital music services, including music download and subscription services.
Couldn't find any terms anywhere...
I'd imagine JF & Chip "Financial Package" they set-up for themselves might be a possible Golden Parachute should CC want to buy them out... BUT, thats just speculation on my part.