Apollo, TPG and Blackstone held preliminary buyout talks with Universal Music
TOP STORY: Universal Music Group has held preliminary discussions with private equity firms including Apollo Global Management, TPG and Blackstone over a potential take-private transaction, although the talks have not progressed into a formal sale process, according to a report by Bloomberg.
Universal Music Group has engaged in preliminary talks with private equity firms Apollo Global Management, TPG, and Blackstone regarding a potential buyout of the company, according to Bloomberg. However, the discussions have not advanced to a formal sale process, and Universal's board was aware of the talks earlier this year. The Amsterdam-listed company, valued at around €29bn, has experienced a 29% decline in its shares in 2026, trading below their 2021 listing price.
The potential transaction follows a previous takeover proposal by investor Bill Ackman, who aimed to acquire Universal and move its listing to the US, which the company ultimately rejected. Universal's largest shareholder, the Bolloré family, controlling over 30% of the company, has publicly questioned the company's market valuation.
Other major shareholders, Tencent and the Bolloré family, together control more than 40% of Universal, but neither has indicated a desire to sell their entire stake. The valuation of Universal has been under pressure due to slowing streaming growth in developed markets and investor apprehensions about the impact of artificial intelligence on music distribution and royalties. Neither Universal nor the private equity firms have commented on the matter.
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