Pershing Square Proposes Acquisition of Universal Music Group
- Pershing Square Capital Management has submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire all outstanding shares of Universal Music Group (UMG) in a deal valued at approximately $64 billion.
- According to reports, the cash portion of the proposal is valued at approximately €9.4 billion.
- Issued a statement confirming that its Board of Directors had received the proposal from Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P.
Pershing Square Capital Management has submitted a non-binding proposal to acquire all outstanding shares of Universal Music Group (UMG) in a deal valued at approximately $64 billion. The proposal, which was made on April 7, 2026, represents the latest move in billionaire investor Bill Ackman’s nearly five-year pursuit of the music label.
The offer is unsolicited and non-binding. According to reports, the cash portion of the proposal is valued at approximately €9.4 billion. This cash component would be financed in part through €5.4 billion in debt.
On April 7, 2026, Universal Music Group N.V. Issued a statement confirming that its Board of Directors had received the proposal from Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. The company stated that the Board, working with its advisors, will evaluate the offer based on its fiduciary duties.
The Board of Directors, together with its advisors, will review the proposal in accordance with its fiduciary duties and analyze its implications for shareholders, employees, artists, songwriters and other stakeholders.
Universal Music Group N.V.
In its official response, the company emphasized its support for its current leadership. The Board of Directors expressed complete confidence
in the existing strategy of the company and the leadership provided by Sir Lucian Grainge and the management team.
Universal Music Group is currently the world leader in music-based entertainment. The company operates a broad array of businesses that include music publishing, recorded music, audiovisual content, and merchandising. Its operations are supported by a comprehensive catalogue of songs and recordings that span every musical genre.
The company has positioned itself as a driver of culture through artistry, focusing on the development of new business models, platforms, and services. These initiatives are intended to expand commercial and artistic opportunities for its artists while creating new experiences for music fans.
Universal Music Group has indicated that it will provide no further comments regarding the Pershing Square proposal until the Board of Directors has finished its review process.