Bollore Rejects Ackman's $64 Billion Universal Music Bid

By EC Assets · Published 27 May 2026 · Updated 28 May 2026

Bollore Group CEO Cyrille Bollore has rejected a $64 billion acquisition bid for Universal Music Group (UMG) by Bill Ackman's Pershing Square. Bollore stated that the price offered by Pershing Square is not sufficient. The Bollore Group is the largest shareholder of UMG. Pershing Square, Bill Ackman's company, proposed a $64 billion merger with Universal Music Group. This offer included a 78% premium for Universal Music Group. UMG's stock has surged following news of Bill Ackman's acquisition plans and a potential US listing. Cyrille Bollore, chairman and chief executive of the Bollore Group, encouraged Universal Music Group's management to reject the offer. Bollore Group, a French conglomerate, holds a significant stake in UMG. Universal Music Group has been active in advocating for stricter content moderation policies with platforms, streaming services, and AI companies for years. Bollore SE has a market capitalization of EUR 15.104 billion. This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice.