HomeEverythingEducation
Equities & FundsCrypto & Digital AssetsAI & TechnologyBusiness & CorporateUS Politics & PolicyGeopolitics & Global RiskMacro, Rates & FXCommodities & EnergyEuropean Politics & MarketsAsia-PacificReal Estate & Property
Story archiveAll categories
← All Stories

Universal Music buys back $290.5M stake from Ackman's Pershing Square

Created at 4 Jun · 5:42 PM3 sources↑ Market-relevant3 events
IN SHORT

Universal Music Group is repurchasing over 14.2 million shares from Bill Ackman's Pershing Square for approximately $290.5 million. This follows UMG's rejection of a $64 billion takeover bid from Pershing Square, and Ackman's subsequent resignation from UMG's board.

✉Newsletter

PiQ Daily

Pick your topics. Get only what matters, on your cadence.

Key Numbers

14.2 millionshares repurchased by UMG
$290.5 millionvalue of UMG share repurchase
$64 billionrejected takeover bid value

Who's Involved

Universal Music Group
Company repurchasing shares
Bill Ackman
Founder of Pershing Square, investor
Pershing Square
Investment firm selling shares
Universal Music buys back $290.5M stake from Ackman's Pershing Square

↳ Why This Matters

The buyback signifies a definitive end to Pershing Square's significant stake in Universal Music Group and its prior ambitions for a takeover, impacting both the company's shareholder structure and Ackman's investment strategy.

Key facts

  • Universal Music Group will repurchase over 14.2 million shares from Pershing Square.
  • The share repurchase is valued at approximately $290.5 million.
  • UMG previously rejected a $64 billion takeover proposal from Pershing Square.
  • Bill Ackman resigned from UMG's board in 2025.

Universal Music Group (UMG) has announced it will repurchase over 14.2 million shares from Pershing Square, the investment firm founded by billionaire Bill Ackman. The transaction is valued at approximately $290.5 million. This move comes after UMG rejected a substantial takeover proposal from Pershing Square, reportedly worth $64 billion. Bill Ackman had previously resigned from UMG's board in 2025, citing new executive and board responsibilities. Separately, Ackman's SPAC, Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, will be liquidated.

Frequently asked questions

UMG is repurchasing over 14.2 million shares from Pershing Square.

The repurchase is valued at approximately $290.5 million.

Pershing Square had previously made a takeover proposal valued at $64 billion, which was rejected by UMG.

Bill Ackman resigned from the UMG board in 2025 due to new executive and board responsibilities.

What Happens Next

01Pershing Square Tontine Holdings will be liquidated.

Get the newsletter.

Pick the topics you actually care about. We'll email when there's news worth your time, on the cadence you choose. Cancel any time from your account.

Cadence

How It Developed

4 Jun · 6:46 PM
UMG is repurchasing $290.5 million in stock from Bill Ackman's Pershing Square.
Variety via PiQSuite
4 Jun · 5:15 PM
Universal Music Group repurchased shares from Pershing Square after its takeover bid was rejected, leading to Ackman's board resignation.
PiQSuite
4 Jun · 5:14 PM
Bill Ackman's SPAC, Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, will be liquidated, ending his pursuit of Universal Music Group.
Yahoo News | Finance Top Stories via PiQSuite

Sources

T1
Bill Ackman to Sell $290.5 Million in Stock Back to Universal Music After Rejected Takeover Offerm.piqsuite.com
T1
Bill Ackman Walks Away From Universal Music After Takeover Defeatm.piqsuite.com
T1
Universal Music buys back part of Ackman's Pershing stake after $64 billion bid failsm.piqsuite.com

Related Stories

Steadfast exclusivity period extended as US consortium reaffirms $5.3 billion bid
9 Jul · 12:19 AM
Dream Finders Homes raises Beazer Homes bid to $32, standstill terms become key
8 Jul · 9:55 PM
UniCredit nears Commerzbank control in €45B hostile deal
9 Jul · 5:46 AM
Paramount Delays Warner Bros. Deal Amid Oregon Antitrust Probe
9 Jul · 1:44 AM
Air Canada CEO to Retire After Language Controversy
8 Jul · 3:25 PM