Walt Disney is handing the European distribution of its next Jonas Brothers album to Universal Music, according to people familiar with the matter, dealing a blow to EMI and its new private-equity owner, Guy Hands’ Terra Firma.

Disney’s decision, which is expected to be announced in London this week, will ratchet up pressure on EMI as it tries to retain a broader contract to distribute Disney’s records in foreign markets. That contract expires in about a year, and Disney has already been sounding out alternatives.