Universal Music Group (UMG) shares will be listed on the US stock exchange by September 15, 2025, following an agreement with activist investor Pershing Square Holdings. The investment firm plans to sell a portion of its 7.6% stake in UMG, currently valued at $3.48 billion.

Pershing Square, led by Bill Ackman, has waived the 120-day filing requirement. UMG has committed to using "commercially reasonable efforts" to launch an underwritten offering for the sale of Pershing's shares. Any decisions beyond contractual obligations will be determined by UMG's Board of Directors based on maximizing value for all shareholders.

This development follows controversy in November 2024, when Ackman called for UMG to de-list from the Euronext Amsterdam exchange and relocate its legal headquarters to the United States. The request came after violent incidents involving Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam. UMG has traded on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange since separating from Vivendi in 2021.

Pershing Square itself recently received approval to de-list from the Euronext Amsterdam exchange, effective January 31, while maintaining its London listing. UMG previously informed Pershing that while it could use its holdings for a US listing, it must sell at least $500 million in shares as part of the process.

Multiple exchange listings are common among public companies, offering broader investor access and risk diversification across different markets.

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