Music behemoths Taylor Swift and Drake seek listing on the US stock exchange.

Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company and home to record labels of prominent artists such as Taylor Swift, Drake, and Lady Gaga, has filed to sell its shares in the US. Currently listed in the Netherlands with a market valuation of approximately €50 billion ($43.3 billion; $58.5 billion), UMG’s lineup also includes international superstars like Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, and Harry Styles. This move comes as US share indexes, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite, reached record highs amidst rebounding markets following concerns over President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. UMG stated in its filing with the US financial markets regulator, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), that the offering remains subject to review, without disclosing the size or potential fundraising amount. Confidential filings allow companies to engage with regulators and assess investor demand before disclosing details publicly. UMG’s largest shareholder, billionaire investor Bill Ackman of Pershing Square, has been advocating for a US listing, believing it would increase the company’s value and improve trading liquidity. UMG owns major record labels, including Motown Records and Capitol Music Group, which have been home to legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, The Beatles, and Katy Perry. In 2024, UMG was involved in a dispute with TikTok over royalties, resulting in UMG’s music being temporarily muted or removed from the platform until a resolution was reached in May of that year.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9xlmpz129o