Universal Music Group secretly seeks US stock market debut
Prestigious Dutch‑American Firm Already Public in the Netherlands
The Dutch‑American company, known for representing high‑profile musicians such as Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, has already secured a listing in the Netherlands.
Universal Music Group Files Confidential U.S. Share Sale Application
Universal Music Group (UMG) has lodged a secret application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to offer its shares in the U.S. market. The company confirmed that it will not receive any proceeds from the transaction.
Offer Details Still Undetermined
The number of ordinary shares to be sold and the price range will be decided later, according to the UMG statement. The proposal, meanwhile, remains pending SEC review.
UMG’s Global Position
- Artists: Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga and many more.
- Current Valuation: Listed in Amsterdam with a market cap close to €50 billion.
- Headquarters: Corporate HQ in Hilversum, Netherlands; operational HQ in Santa Monica, California.
Background and Strategic Intent
In January, UMG announced plans to pursue a U.S. listing, a move largely driven by hedge‑fund investor Pershing Square. Billionaire Bill Ackman has argued that such a listing would significantly boost the company’s value.
Market Context
U.S. equities are experiencing a rebound after a downturn linked to Trump‑era tariffs. The Nasdaq and S&P 500 closed at record highs on Monday, as follows:
- S&P 500: +0.1%, surpassing its all‑time high set last Thursday.
- Nasdaq Composite: +0.4%, hitting a new record.
- Dow Jones Industrial Average: declined by less than 0.1%.
Related Developments
Recent headlines include:
- World’s biggest labels suing AI‑generated song creators for copyright.
- UMG and Spotify ink new agreement amid Björk’s criticism of streaming services.
