Activist investor Bill Ackman has launched a $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group (UMG), the label behind global superstars including Taylor Swift and Bad Bunny, in a cash-and-stock transaction that could reshape the global music industry.
- +Billionaire Bill Ackman bids to acquire Universal Music for $64 billion
The proposed deal, announced by Ackman’s hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management, would see Universal Music merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings, a special acquisition vehicle approved by the U.S.
The proposed deal, announced by Ackman’s hedge fund Pershing Square Capital Management, would see Universal Music merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings, a special acquisition vehicle approved by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in 2023.
This is according to a statement by the company as seen by AP News On April 7, 2026.
Under the terms of the offer, Universal Music shareholders would receive €9.4 billion in cash equivalent to €5.05 per share and 0.77 shares in the newly formed company for each UMG share held.
Ackman said the transaction is designed to address what he described as a disconnect between UMG’s strong operating performance and its market valuation.
Shares of Universal Music rose more than 10% in midday trading in Amsterdam following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism around the proposed restructuring and relisting.
The deal is expected to close by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. Universal Music has not yet issued an official response to the offer.
The bid comes amid significant leadership and strategic shifts involving Ackman and Universal Music. The billionaire investor in March 2025 stepped down from UMG’s board after its annual general meeting, ending a three-year tenure that began shortly after the company’s 2021 public listing.
Mavin’s artists, including Rema and Ayra Starr, are already integrated into UMG’s international ecosystem, with affiliations across major U.S. labels such as Republic and Interscope. The label’s broader roster features talents like Ladipoe, Johnny Drille, Crayon, Magixx, Bayanni, Boy Spyce, DJ Big N, Lifesize Teddy, among others.
