Visual & Sound Communications Limited was set up on December 1982 to operate the "Exotique" record stores. Over the years VSC has consolidated its market share, becoming Malta's largest entertainment organisation. As present the company owns eight stores including one at Tripoli International Airport, offering for sale a vast range of home entertainment articles from compact discs to DVDs, computer consoles, games software and hi-fi. All outlets are strategically situated in the urban and commercial centres of the island, including one at the Duty-Free Centre at the Malta International Airport. VSC also supplies and distributes products to a number of other stores on the island. In fact VSC is the main company in Malta offering such a service. VSC is attuned to the tastes and trends of the local market. The administrative heart of VSC is situated in Sliema on the fourth floor of purposely-built premises, which also house one of the largest of the Exotique stores. The company currently employs 40 persons on full-time basis. The company also acts as distributor for most of the major suppliers of the music and film industry. VSC is also exclusive licensee for Sony Music and BMG. The company was instrumental together with IFPI and MPEAA for the implementation of the copyright legislation in Malta, which came into effect as from January 1, 1993. The enforcement of these laws ahs brought about a radical change in the business environment and has led to substantial increases both in the film and music market, although it has not as yet led to the total eradication of piracy in Malta. VSC is also active on the local music scene. A number of local singers and bands have received help by way of sponsorship or part-sponsorship from VSC. It is the aim of the company to support even further the local talent, with the intention of launching them on the international scene. Furthermore, VSC has a commitment towards the enhancement of the services offered for the betterment of the industry in Malta.