Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman announced his plans to move Pershing Square Holdings and Universal Music Group out of Euronext Amsterdam following recent antisemitic attacks in the city. Ackman took to social media to express his concerns and stated that concentrating the listing on the London Stock Exchange would be a better business and moral decision.
The decision to move the companies out of Amsterdam was further solidified after Israeli soccer fans were attacked and injured in violent clashes following a Europa League soccer game. The Amsterdam authorities reported that five injured fans have been released from the hospital, while 20 to 30 others sustained minor injuries. Ackman, the CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management, stated that the move had been under consideration even before the attacks due to the majority of its trading taking place on the London Stock Exchange.
In his post, Ackman highlighted that moving Pershing Square to the London Stock Exchange would not only save money but also improve liquidity for its shareholders. Additionally, he mentioned that Pershing Square has the contractual rights to facilitate the move of Universal Music Group from its Amsterdam headquarters and stock exchange.
However, a spokesperson from Universal Music Group clarified that Pershing Square does not have the authority to require UMG to become a US domiciled company or delist from Euronext Amsterdam. The company will adhere to its contractual obligations, with decisions being made in the best interests of shareholders and to maximize value.
While Ackman expressed his intentions to achieve a US listing for Universal Music Group by next year, the company’s spokesperson emphasized that the board members were not involved in Ackman’s post on social media. Pershing Square Holdings has yet to respond to requests for comment from CNN.
Euronext, the stock exchange in Amsterdam, declined to comment on specific listed companies. The decision to move Pershing Square Holdings and Universal Music Group out of Amsterdam comes in response to the recent attacks and aims to ensure the safety and security of the companies and their stakeholders.
