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Universal Music Group Plans €1B Bond Sale After Ackman Rejection

economy-finance · 2026-06-09

Universal Music Group is preparing a €1 billion two-part bond sale on June 8, following its rejection of Bill Ackman's €56 billion takeover bid. The offering includes 4-year and 10-year tranches, each €500 million, to refinance debt and fund corporate activities. The company holds a Baa1 rating from Moody's and BBB+ from S&P. It has a €1 billion bridge loan maturing in late July and a €500 million bond due in 2027. BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole CIB are global coordinators; bookrunners include IMI Corporate & Investment Banking (Intesa Sanpaolo), Mediobanca, Mizuho, Morgan Stanley, Santander, and Societe Generale. Ackman recently sold his €1.42 billion stake after the failed bid.

Key facts

  • Universal Music Group plans a €1 billion two-part bond sale on June 8.
  • The bond includes 4-year and 10-year tranches, each €500 million.
  • The company rejected Bill Ackman's €56 billion takeover bid.
  • Ackman sold his €1.42 billion stake in Universal Music.
  • Universal Music is rated Baa1 by Moody's and BBB+ by S&P.
  • It has a €1 billion bridge loan maturing in late July.
  • BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole CIB are global coordinators.
  • Bookrunners include IMI, Mediobanca, Mizuho, Morgan Stanley, Santander, and Societe Generale.

Entities

Institutions

  • Universal Music Group
  • Moody's Ratings
  • S&P Global Ratings
  • Bloomberg
  • BNP Paribas
  • Credit Agricole Corporate & Investment Banking
  • IMI Corporate & Investment Banking
  • Intesa Sanpaolo
  • Mediobanca
  • Mizuho Financial Group
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Banco Santander
  • Societe Generale

Locations

  • Netherlands
  • Amsterdam

Sources