Pershing Square (via SPARC) Proposes to Acquire Universal Music Group
April 7, 2026
Pershing Square Capital Management has submitted a non-binding proposal to Universal Music Group (UMG) to acquire all outstanding shares of UMG through a business combination. The transaction contemplates a merger of UMG with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings, with the newly merged company (“New UMG”) expected to close by year-end and be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
- Buyers
- Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P., Pershing Square SPARC Holdings, Ltd.
- Targets
- Universal Music Group N.V.
- Platforms
- Pershing Square SPARC Holdings, Ltd.
- Industry
- Media & Entertainment
- Location
- Netherlands
- Transaction Type
- Buyout
Explore More
Related Acquisitions
-
Sagard Acquires / Integrates Unigestion Private Equity Holding into Sagard Private Equity Solutions
April 8, 2026
Financial Services
Sagard and Unigestion Private Equity Holding SA (UNG PE) announced the successful closing of their combination transaction, originally announced in September. The closing formalizes a partnership that integrates UNG PE into Sagard’s middle-market private equity platform, Sagard Private Equity Solutions (SPES), and rebrands UNG PE future offerings under the SPES name.
-
Virgin Music Group Acquires Downtown Music Holdings
February 23, 2026
Media & Entertainment
Virgin Music Group (VMG) and Universal Music Group’s global independent music division entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Downtown Music Holdings LLC for $775 million in cash. The deal was subject to regulatory approvals and was expected to close in the second half of 2025, creating a combined end-to-end platform serving independent artists, entrepreneurs, and rights holders.
-
Consortium Including Pittco, Arch Capital, BTG Pactual Acquires 10% Stake in Pershing Square for $1.045B
June 13, 2024
Financial Services
A consortium of strategic investors led by Pittco Management, Arch Capital Group, BTG Pactual, Consulta Limited, ICONIQ Investment Management, and Menora Mivtachim purchased a 10% common equity interest in Pershing Square Holdco, L.P. from Pershing Square Capital Management for $1.045 billion. The transaction is a minority primary equity sale that brings long-term institutional and strategic investors into the previously employee-owned investment firm.
-
Universal Music Group Acquires 25.8% Stake in Chord Music Partners
February 21, 2024
Media & Entertainment
Universal Music Group (UMG) will acquire a 25.8% minority interest in Chord Music Partners for US$240 million, valuing Chord at US$1.85 billion. The transaction creates a long-term strategic partnership under which UMG will administer Chord's music publishing through UMPG and recorded music through Virgin Music Group; KKR will exit and the Dundee consortium will remain a majority owner.
-
PMC Capital Partners Acquires UniversalPegasus International from Huntington Ingalls Industries
February 3, 2021
Industrial Services
PMC Capital Partners has acquired UniversalPegasus International (UPI) from Huntington Ingalls Industries. UPI, a Houston-headquartered engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) firm with roughly 600 employees and an office in Calgary, will be operated as a standalone business to pursue growth in the oil & gas and energy markets.
-
Universal Music Group Acquires Ingrooves Music Group
February 12, 2019
Media & Entertainment
Universal Music Group (UMG) agreed to acquire the remaining shares of Ingrooves Music Group, taking full ownership of the independent music distribution and marketing company while retaining Bob Roback as CEO. UMG said the deal will expand Ingrooves' geographic reach and service capabilities for independent artists and labels and will create a strategic partnership between UMG’s Caroline International and Ingrooves to enhance global distribution and marketing services.
Build a buyer list for your deal
Find active buyers from recent acquisition patterns and move straight into outreach.