Universal Music Group

{{Further|topic=UMG's history prior to 1996|MCA Records#History}}

The company's origins go back to the formation of the American branch of Decca Records in September 1934, and its name and company logo originate from Carl Laemmle's Universal Pictures. Although the movie studio and the music business share a common history, today the former is part of Comcast and the latter an independent commercial entity.{{Cite web |date=May 6, 2015 |title=The Origin & Many Uses of Shellac by R.J. Wakeman |url=http://www.antiquephono.org/the-origin-many-uses-of-shellac-by-r-j-wakeman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225014322/http://www.antiquephono.org/the-origin-many-uses-of-shellac-by-r-j-wakeman/ |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |access-date=April 16, 2016 |website=AntiquePhono.org}}{{Cite web |year=2003 |title=US Decca LP Labels |url=http://heroinc.0catch.com/decca/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104205135/http://heroinc.0catch.com/decca/ |archive-date=January 4, 2009 |access-date=March 20, 2008 |website=HeroInc.0Catch.com |publisher=Daniels, Frank}} During World War II, many record companies donated their metal masters to recycling for the war effort. However, Universal was an exception and donated more than 200,000 of their historic master recordings to the Library of Congress.{{Cite web |last=Fishman |first=Karen |date=January 15, 2015 |title=Scrap for Victory! {{!}} Now See Hear! |url=https://blogs.loc.gov/now-see-hear/2015/01/scrap-for-victory/ |access-date=August 14, 2023 |website=The Library of Congress}} The Decca Record Co. Ltd. of England spun American Decca off in 1939.{{Cite magazine |last=Rackmil |first=Milton R. |date=August 28, 1954 |title=Pioneers' Dream Becomes Reality With Decca |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=liEEAAAAMBAJ&q=foresight+hard+work+raise+decca+baby&pg=PA14 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=December 16, 2011}} MCA Inc. merged with American Decca in 1962.{{Cite web |title=HITS Daily Double : Rumor Mill – A BRIEF HISTORY OF MCA RECORDS |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=276614 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226213422/https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D276614 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=April 1, 2019 |website=HITS Daily Double |language=en}}

In November 1990, Japanese multinational conglomerate Matsushita Electric agreed to acquire MCA for $6.59 billion.{{Cite news |date=November 26, 1990 |title=It's a Wrap: MCA Sold: Matsushita to Pay About $6.6 Billion |work=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-11-26-mn-4086-story.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022225339/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-11-26/news/mn-4086_1_mca-shareholders |archive-date=October 22, 2013}}{{Cite news |date=December 1, 1990 |title=Who Gets What From MCA Deal |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/01/business/who-gets-what-from-mca-deal.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514143005/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/12/01/business/who-gets-what-from-mca-deal.html |archive-date=May 14, 2013}} In 1995, Seagram acquired 80 percent of MCA from Matsushita.{{Cite news |date=April 7, 1995 |title=Seagram heads for Hollywood; Seagram will buy 80% of big studio from Matsushita |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/07/business/seagram-heads-for-hollywood-seagram-will-buy-80-of-big-studio-from-matsushita.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308182220/https://www.nytimes.com/1995/04/07/business/seagram-heads-for-hollywood-seagram-will-buy-80-of-big-studio-from-matsushita.html |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}{{Cite news |date=August 28, 1996 |title=Matsushita, Freed of MCA, Reports a Profit |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/28/business/matsushita-freed-of-mca-reports-a-profit.html |url-status=live |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616054018/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/08/28/business/matsushita-freed-of-mca-reports-a-profit.html |archive-date=June 16, 2018}} On 9 December 1996, the company was renamed Universal Studios, Inc.,{{Cite news |last=Reckard |first=E. Scott |date=December 9, 1996 |title=MCA changes name to Universal Studios Inc. |work=Orlando Business Journal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/1996/12/09/daily1.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215192927/http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/1996/12/09/daily1.html |archive-date=February 15, 2017}} and its music division was renamed Universal Music Group; MCA Records continued as a label within the Universal Music Group. In May 1998, Seagram purchased PolyGram{{Cite web |date=May 21, 1998 |title=Seagram buys PolyGram |url=https://money.cnn.com/1998/05/21/deals/tropicana/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401181145/https://money.cnn.com/1998/05/21/deals/tropicana/ |archive-date=April 1, 2019 |access-date=April 1, 2019 |website=CNN}} and merged it with Universal Music Group in early 1999.{{Cite magazine |date=January 22, 1999 |title=Hundreds of Jobs Lost in Universal Mega-Merger |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hundreds-of-jobs-lost-in-universal-mega-merger-114582/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308191840/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hundreds-of-jobs-lost-in-universal-mega-merger-114582/ |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=April 1, 2019}} Seagram's entertainment assets were then sold to French media conglomerate Vivendi in 2000, along with UMG.

In May 2004, Universal Music Group was cast under separate management from Universal Studios, when Vivendi sold 80% of the latter to General Electric, who subsequently merged it with NBC to form NBCUniversal. This came two months after the separation of Warner Music Group from Time Warner. In February 2006, Vivendi purchased the remaining 20 percent of UMG from Matsushita Electric.{{Cite web |last=BSIC |date=October 3, 2021 |title=Universal Music Group Out into the Wild: The Story Behind its IPO – BSIC {{!}} Bocconi Students Investment Club |url=https://bsic.it/universal-music-group-out-into-the-wild/ |access-date=October 18, 2022 |language=en-GB}} On 6 September 2006, Vivendi announced its €1.63 billion ($2.4 billion) purchase of BMG Music Publishing; after receiving European Union regulatory approval, the acquisition was completed on June 25, 2007.{{Cite news |last=Adegoke, Yinka |date=May 25, 2007 |title=Universal Music closes on BMG |work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSN2524635320070528 |url-status=live |access-date=November 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227203007/http://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSN2524635320070528 |archive-date=December 27, 2008}}{{Cite news |date=September 6, 2006 |title=Universal to buy BMG publishing |work=News.BBC.co.uk |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5319050.stm |url-status=live |access-date=November 25, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211164550/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/5319050.stm |archive-date=February 11, 2021}}

In June 2007, UMG acquired Sanctuary, which eventually became UMG's entertainment merchandising and brand management division, Bravado.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Katie |date=August 3, 2007 |title=Universal buys troubled Sanctuary for £44.5m |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/aug/03/music |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308134829/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2007/aug/03/music |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |last=Safronova |first=Valeriya |date=July 25, 2017 |title=Maestros of the Concert Merchandise Movement |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/25/fashion/weeknd-gaga-kanye-west-justin-bieber-concert-merch.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423151219/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/25/fashion/weeknd-gaga-kanye-west-justin-bieber-concert-merch.html |archive-date=April 23, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last=Lockwood |first=Lisa |date=January 4, 2018 |title=Bloomingdale's Teams With Universal Music Group and Bravado for Major Retail Promotion |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/bloomingdales-teams-with-universal-music-group-and-bravado-for-major-retail-promotion-11083718/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185517/https://wwd.com/business-news/retail/bloomingdales-teams-with-universal-music-group-and-bravado-for-major-retail-promotion-11083718/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Wwd.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Randhawa |first=Kiran |date=May 8, 2018 |title=A Rolling Stones pop-up shop is coming to Selfridges |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/rolling-stones-selfridges-a3833556.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508194024/https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/london-life/rolling-stones-selfridges-a3833556.html |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}} In 2008, Universal Music Group agreed to make its catalogue available to Spotify, then a new streaming service, for use outside the U.S. on a limited basis.{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2018 |title=How Spotify Built a $20 Billion Business by Changing How People Listen to Music |url=https://producthabits.com/how-spotify-built-a-20-billion-business-by-changing-how-people-listen-to-music/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308011426/https://producthabits.com/how-spotify-built-a-20-billion-business-by-changing-how-people-listen-to-music/ |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=May 30, 2019 |website=Product Habits |language=en}}

Doug Morris stepped down from his position as CEO on 1 January 2011. Former chairman/CEO of Universal Music International Lucian Grainge was promoted to CEO of the company. Grainge later replaced Morris as chairman on 9 March 2011.{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2011 |title=Vivendi Appoints Lucian Grainge Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/vivendi-appoints-lucian-grainge-chairman-1005066282.story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127023347/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/record-labels/vivendi-appoints-lucian-grainge-chairman-1005066282.story |archive-date=November 27, 2012 |access-date=December 16, 2011 |website=Billboard.biz}} Morris became the next chairman of Sony Music Entertainment on 1 July 2011.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Ethan |date=March 3, 2011 |title=Sony Music Recruits CEO |work=The Wall Street Journal |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703559604576176500047935830.html?mod=googlenews_wsj |url-status=live |access-date=March 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629101254/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703559604576176500047935830.html?mod=googlenews_wsj |archive-date=June 29, 2011}} With Grainge's appointment as CEO at UMG, Max Hole was promoted to COO of UMGI, effective 1 July 2010. In January 2011, UMG announced it was donating 200,000 master recordings from the 1920s to 1940s to the Library of Congress for preservation.{{Cite news |date=January 10, 2011 |title=Pop & Hiss |work=Los Angeles Times |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/01/universal-music-library-of-congress-bing-crosby-ella-fitzgerald.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126071152/https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2011/01/universal-music-library-of-congress-bing-crosby-ella-fitzgerald.html |archive-date=January 26, 2021}} In 2011, EMI agreed to sell its recorded music operations to Universal Music Group for £1.2 billion ($1.9 billion) and its music publishing operations to a Sony-led consortium for $2.2 billion.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2009 |title=Citigroup Sells EMI in Parts for $4.1 Billion to Vivendi, Sony |url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-12/citigroup-sells-emi-in-parts-for-4-1-billion-to-vivendi-sony.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111112081355/http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-11-12/citigroup-sells-emi-in-parts-for-4-1-billion-to-vivendi-sony.html |archive-date=November 12, 2011 |access-date=November 16, 2011 |website=Businessweek.com}} Among the other companies that had competed for the recorded music business was Warner Music Group which was reported to have made a $2 billion bid.[http://www.radio-info.com/news/warner-music-group-wants-emi Warner Music Group Wants Part Of EMI] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120706175309/http://www.radio-info.com/news/warner-music-group-wants-emi |date=July 6, 2012 }} – [http://www.radio-info.com/ Radio-Info.com] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111031083714/http://www.radio-info.com/ |date=October 31, 2011 }} (released October 31, 2011) IMPALA opposed the merger.{{Cite web |title=Color |url=http://www.impalamusic.org/docum/04-press/2011/PR%20-%2020111108.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425112050/http://www.impalamusic.org/docum/04-press/2011/PR%20-%2020111108.htm |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |access-date=September 24, 2012 |website=Impalamusic.org}} In March 2012, the European Union opened an investigation into the acquisition{{Cite news |date=March 23, 2012 |title=EU opens investigation into Universal, EMI deal |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-emi-universal-eu-idUSBRE82M0ZL20120323 |url-status=live |access-date=July 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924163000/http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/23/us-emi-universal-eu-idUSBRE82M0ZL20120323 |archive-date=September 24, 2015}} The EU asked rivals and consumer groups whether the deal would result in higher prices and shut out competitors.{{Cite news |title=This page has been removed |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/mar/24/universal-emi-antitrust |url-status=live |access-date=December 13, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325191748/http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/mar/24/universal-emi-antitrust |archive-date=March 25, 2012}}

On 21 September 2012, the sale of EMI to UMG was approved in the European Union and the United States by the European Commission and Federal Trade Commission respectively.Joshua R. Wueller, [https://ssrn.com/abstract=2293412 Mergers of Majors: Applying the Failing Firm Doctrine in the Recorded Music Industry] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514094040/https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2293412 |date=May 14, 2021 }}, 7 Brook. J. Corp. Fin. & Com. L. 589, 602–04 (2013) (describing the antitrust scrutiny surrounding the sale of EMI's recorded music division to UMG). However, the European Commission approved the deal only under the condition the merged company divest one third of its total operations to other companies with a proven track record in the music industry. UMG divested Mute Records, Parlophone, Roxy Recordings, MPS Records, Cooperative Music, Now That's What I Call Music!, Jazzland, Universal Greece, Sanctuary Records, Chrysalis Records, EMI Classics, Virgin Classics, and EMI's European regional labels to comply with this condition. UMG retained the Beatles (formerly of Parlophone) and Robbie Williams (formerly of Chrysalis). The Beatles catalogue was transferred to UMG's newly formed Calderstone Productions, while Williams' catalogue was transferred to Island Records.{{Cite news |last=Sweney |first=Mark |date=September 21, 2012 |title=Universal's £1.2bn EMI takeover approved – with conditions |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/sep/21/universal-emi-takeover-approved |url-status=live |access-date=September 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528052507/http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012/sep/21/universal-emi-takeover-approved |archive-date=May 28, 2013}}{{Cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |title=Universal's Capitol takes shape: Barnett in, Beatles on roster |url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/steve-barnett-named-chairman-of-universal-s-capitol-records/052695 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208190010/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/steve-barnett-named-chairman-of-universal-s-capitol-records/052695 |archive-date=February 8, 2013 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |publisher=Music Week}}

Universal Music Group completed their acquisition of EMI on 28 September 2012.{{Cite web |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=September 28, 2012 |title=Universal Closes on EMI Deal, Becoming, by Far, Biggest of Remaining Big Three |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/28/universal-closes-on-emi-deal-becoming-by-far-biggest-of-remaining-big-three/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170707143350/https://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/28/universal-closes-on-emi-deal-becoming-by-far-biggest-of-remaining-big-three/ |archive-date=July 7, 2017 |access-date=December 30, 2016 |website=Mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com}} In November 2012, Steve Barnett was appointed chairman and CEO of Capitol Music Group. He formerly served as COO of Columbia Records.{{Cite web |title=FMQB: Radio Industry News, Music Industry Updates, Nielsen Ratings, Music News and more! |url=http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=2581111 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217040918/http://www.fmqb.com/article.asp?id=2581111 |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |website=Fmqb.com}} In compliance the conditions of the European Commission after purchase of EMI, Universal Music Group sold the Mute catalogue to the German-based BMG Rights Management on 22 December 2012.{{Cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |date=December 21, 2012 |title=BMG buys Mute catalogue from Universal |url=http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/bmg-buys-mute-catalogue-from-universal/052989 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231095016/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/bmg-buys-mute-catalogue-from-universal/052989 |archive-date=December 31, 2012 |access-date=December 22, 2012 |publisher=Music Week}} Two months later, BMG acquired Sanctuary Records for €50 million ($58 million).{{Cite magazine |date=February 15, 2013 |title=Analysis: BMG Poised to Become a Top Indie Catalog Following Sanctuary Acquisition |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1539388/analysis-bmg-poised-to-become-a-top-indie-catalog-following-sanctuary |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225193530/http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1539388/analysis-bmg-poised-to-become-a-top-indie-catalog-following-sanctuary |archive-date=February 25, 2013 |access-date=February 28, 2013}} On 8 February 2013, Warner Music Group acquired the Parlophone Label Group (consisting of Parlophone Records, Chrysalis Records, EMI Classics, Virgin Classics and EMI Records' Belgian, Czech, Danish, French, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Slovak and Swedish divisions) for $765 million (£487 million).{{Cite news |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=February 8, 2013 |title=Warner Music Group Buys EMI Assets for $765 Million |work=The New York Times |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/warner-music-group-buys-emi-assets-for-765-million/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150922003344/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/07/warner-music-group-buys-emi-assets-for-765-million/ |archive-date=September 22, 2015}}{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2013 |title=Warner to buy the Parlophone Label Group |url=http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/warner-to-buy-the-parlophone-label-group |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130214024319/http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/warner-to-buy-the-parlophone-label-group |archive-date=February 14, 2013 |access-date=February 28, 2013 |website=Gramophone.co.uk}} Later in February, Sony Music Entertainment acquired UMG's European share in Now That's What I Call Music for approximately $60 million.{{Cite news |title=Universal Music Sells Now! European Rights to Sony Music |work=Bloomberg.com |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-27/universal-music-said-to-sell-now-rights-for-about-60-million.html |url-status=live |access-date=March 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023185634/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-02-27/universal-music-said-to-sell-now-rights-for-about-60-million.html |archive-date=October 23, 2013}} Play It Again Sam acquired Co-Operative Music for £500,000 in March 2013.{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2013 |title=[PIAS]'s Co-op acquisition approved |url=http://www.thecmuwebsite.com/article/piass-co-op-acquisition-approved/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730032834/http://www.thecmuwebsite.com/article/piass-co-op-acquisition-approved/ |archive-date=July 30, 2013 |access-date=July 16, 2013 |website=Complete Music Update}} With EMI's absorption into Universal Music complete, its British operations consist of five label units: Island, Polydor, Decca, Virgin EMI and Capitol.[https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/1552454/universal-music-uk-announces-launch-of-virgin-emi Universal Music UK Announces Launch of Virgin EMI Records] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518113054/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/digital-and-mobile/1552454/universal-music-uk-announces-launch-of-virgin-emi |date=May 18, 2019 }}. Billboard (March 18, 2013). Retrieved on July 16, 2013. In the Greek market, as part of its divestiture plans, Universal Music retained Minos EMI and sold Universal Music Greece to Greek investors who renamed it Cobalt Music.{{Cite web |last=Κέρκης |first=Γιάννης |title=H Cobalt Music "αγόρασε" την Universal Music Greece |url=http://www.ogdoo.gr/epikairotita/mousika-nea/h-cobalt-music-agorase-tin-universal-mus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170825142621/http://www.ogdoo.gr/epikairotita/mousika-nea/h-cobalt-music-agorase-tin-universal-mus |archive-date=August 25, 2017 |access-date=August 25, 2017 |website=Ogdoo.gr}}{{Cite web |last=Onti |first=Nicky Mariam |date=May 21, 2013 |title=MINOS-EMI Greek Universal Subsidiary {{!}} GreekReporter.com |url=https://greece.greekreporter.com/2013/05/21/minos-emi-greek-universal-subsidiary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185516/https://greece.greekreporter.com/2013/05/21/minos-emi-greek-universal-subsidiary/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=GreekReporter}} Edel AG acquired the MPS catalogue from Universal in January 2014.{{Cite web |title=Edel kauft legendäres Jazzlabel von Universal |url=http://www.edel.com/de/investor-relations/presse/pressemitteilungen/details/edel-kauft-legendaeres-jazzlabel-von-universal/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214060046/http://www.edel.com/de/investor-relations/presse/pressemitteilungen/details/edel-kauft-legendaeres-jazzlabel-von-universal/ |archive-date=February 14, 2015 |website=Edel AG}}

On 20 March 2013, UMG announced the worldwide extension of their exclusive distribution deal with the Disney Music Group, excluding Japan. As a result of this deal DMG's labels and artists have access to UMG's roster of producers and songwriters on a worldwide basis.{{Cite web |last=Universal Music Group |date=March 20, 2013 |title=Universal Music Group (UMG) & Disney Music Group (DMG) Expand Agreement Globally |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-music-group-umg--disney-music-group-dmg-expand-agreement-globally-199163341.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318135432/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/universal-music-group-umg--disney-music-group-dmg-expand-agreement-globally-199163341.html |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |website=Prnewswire.com}} The exclusive deal also saw UMG granted unlimited access to all rights pertaining to Disney's 85-year back catalogue of soundtracks and albums.{{Cite web |title=UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP (UMG) & DISNEY MUSIC GROUP (DMG) EXPAND AGREEMENT GLOBALLY |url=http://www.universalmusic.com/corporate/detail/2457 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129134643/http://www.universalmusic.com/corporate/detail/2457 |archive-date=November 29, 2014 |access-date=November 25, 2014 |website=Universalmusic.com}} On 2 April 2013, the gospel music divisions of Motown Records and EMI merged to form a new label called Motown Gospel.[http://www.eurweb.com/2013/04/motown-records-and-emi-gospel-announce-joint-venture-motown-gospel/ Motown Records and EMI Gospel Announce Joint Venture: Motown Gospel | EURweb – Part 1] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406162744/http://www.eurweb.com/2013/04/motown-records-and-emi-gospel-announce-joint-venture-motown-gospel/ |date=April 6, 2013 }}. EURweb (April 2, 2013). Retrieved on July 16, 2013. In May 2013, Japanese company SoftBank offered $8.5 billion to Vivendi for the acquisition of UMG, but Vivendi rejected it.{{Cite news |date=July 19, 2013 |title=Vivendi Declined SoftBank's Lucrative Offer for Universal |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/19/business/media/vivendi-declined-softbanks-lucrative-offer-for-universal.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161113123235/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/19/business/media/vivendi-declined-softbanks-lucrative-offer-for-universal.html |archive-date=November 13, 2016}} In July 2018, JPMorgan said that UMG could be worth as much as $40 billion{{Cite web |last=Steigrad |first=Alexandra |date=July 31, 2018 |title=Universal Music Group won't go public |url=https://nypost.com/2018/07/30/universal-music-group-wont-go-public/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185515/https://nypost.com/2018/07/30/universal-music-group-wont-go-public/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=New York Post |language=en}} and then increased the valuation to $50 billion in 2019.{{Cite web |last=Ingham |first=Tim |date=February 18, 2019 |title=Universal Music Group valuation hits $50bn – as Vivendi seeks 'half dozen' investment bank partners |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-group-valuation-hits-50bn-as-vivendi-seeks-half-dozen-investment-bank-partners/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185520/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-group-valuation-hits-50bn-as-vivendi-seeks-half-dozen-investment-bank-partners/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Music Business Worldwide}} In August 2013, UMG became the first company in the US to have nine of the Top 10 songs on the digital charts, according to SoundScan{{Cite web |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=August 21, 2013 |title=Universal Music Distribution Owns Record Nine of Top 10 Digital Songs |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/universal-music-distribution-owns-record-611360 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185516/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/universal-music-distribution-owns-record-611360 |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en}} and weeks later, became the first company to hold all 10 of the Top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.{{Cite web |last=Atkinson |first=Claire |date=September 14, 2013 |title=Universal a perfect 10 on Billboard 100 |url=https://nypost.com/2013/09/14/universal-a-perfect-10-on-billboard-100/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185518/https://nypost.com/2013/09/14/universal-a-perfect-10-on-billboard-100/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=New York Post |language=en}} In September 2013, UMG received a SAG-AFTRA American Scene Award for the company's commitment to diversity as exemplified by its "entire catalog and roster of artists."{{Cite web |last=McNary |first=Dave |date=September 24, 2013 |title=SAG-AFTRA Honors 'Secret Life Of The American Teenager' |url=https://variety.com/2013/tv/awards/sag-aftra-honors-secret-life-of-the-american-teenager-1200665463/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822044201/https://variety.com/2013/tv/awards/sag-aftra-honors-secret-life-of-the-american-teenager-1200665463/ |archive-date=August 22, 2020 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Variety |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=SAG-AFTRA Announces American Scene Award Recipients |url=https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-announces-american-scene-award-recipients |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185525/https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-announces-american-scene-award-recipients |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=SAG-AFTRA|date=September 24, 2013 }}

On 1 April 2014, Universal Music announced the disbandment of the Island Def Jam Music Group, one of four operational umbrella groups within Universal Music. CEO Lucian Grainge said of the closure, "No matter how much we might work to build 'IDJ' as a brand, that brand could never be as powerful as each of IDJ's constituent parts."{{Cite news |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=April 1, 2014 |title=Universal Music Group Breaks Up Its Island Def Jam Division |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/02/business/media/universal-music-group-breaks-up-its-island-def-jam-division.html?_r=0 |url-status=live |access-date=February 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709114432/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/02/business/media/universal-music-group-breaks-up-its-island-def-jam-division.html?_r=0 |archive-date=July 9, 2017}} Island Records and Def Jam operated as autonomous record labels. David Massey and Bartels, who worked respectively at Island and Def Jam Records, were named to the new record labels independently. Barry Weiss, who previously moved from Sony Music to lead Island Def Jam in 2012 when Motown was incorporated into it, stepped down from Universal Music. Additionally, as part of the changes to the labels, Motown Records transferred to Los Angeles to become part of the Capitol Music Group. Ethiopia Habtemariam, who was previously the label's vice president, was promoted to the label's president, chairwoman and CEO. Habtemariam vacated her position and left Motown on 29 November 2022.{{cite news|title=Ethiopia Habtemariam To Step Down From Motown Records|url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/ethiopia-habtemariam-step-down-motown-records-1235444815/|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=2022-11-29|access-date=2025-04-05|website=Variety}} A month following the Island Def Jam disbandment, longtime Interscope Records CEO Jimmy Iovine departed from the label, which ended his 29-year relationship with UMG (which under the MCA banner, acquired Interscope for $200 million in 1995).{{cite news|title=MCA Agrees to Buy Stake In Interscope Record Label|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/22/business/the-media-business-mca-agrees-to-buy-stake-in-interscope-record-label.html|last=Fabrikant|first=Geraldine|date=1996-02-22|access-date=2025-04-05|url-access=subscription |work=The New York Times}}{{cite magazine|title=Jimmy Iovine Leaving Interscope Geffen A&M|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/jimmy-iovine-leaving-interscope-geffen-am-6099411/|last=|first=|magazine=Billboard|date=2014-05-28|access-date=2025-04-05}} Iovine's departure also made way for a restructuring at Interscope Geffen A&M Records, resulting in the hiring of Interscope chief operational officer John Janick as its new chairman and CEO.{{cite news|title=Interscope's post-Iovine era: CEO John Janick looks ahead|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-et-ms-john-janick-20141030-story.html|last=Brown|first=August|date=2014-10-30|access-date=2025-04-05|url-access=subscription |work=The Los Angeles Times}} Grainge said of the reorganization, "Since coming to UMG nearly two years ago, he has consistently shown why he is widely regarded as one of the most talented, innovative and entrepreneurial executives in the music business today and will be a key player in the future generation of industry leaders. John is the ideal executive to be writing the next chapter in IGA's illustrious history."{{cite news|title=John Janick Replaces Jimmy Iovine Atop Interscope Geffen A&M|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/john-janick-replaces-jimmy-iovine-707662/|last=Christman|first=Ed|date=2014-05-28|access-date=2025-04-05|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter}} In 2024, UMG later restructured various labels into its respective "East" and "West" coastal group of umbrella units. Island, Def Jam, Republic and Mercury Records were reorganized under the New York City banner called Republic Corps.,{{cite magazine|title=UMG's East Coast Labels Reorganize as 'Republic Corps' With New Structure|url=https://www.billboard.com/business/record-labels/umg-east-coast-labels-restructured-republic-corps-def-jam-island-mercury-1235631067/|last=Rys|first=Dan|date=2024-03-12|access-date=2025-04-05|magazine=Billboard}} while Interscope, Geffen and Capitol Records were brought under the Santa Monica banner, alias Interscope Capitol Labels Group.{{cite magazine|title=John Janick Unveils Newly Restructured Interscope Capitol Labels Group|url=https://www.billboard.com/business/record-labels/interscope-capitol-labels-group-announced-leadership-1235626266/|last=Rys|first=Dan|date=2024-03-07|access-date=2025-04-05|magazine=Billboard}}

Universal Music Group entered into film and TV production with the 2014 purchase of Eagle Rock Entertainment. UMG's first major film production was Amy, which won an Oscar for Best Documentary,{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Henry |date=February 29, 2016 |title=Amy wins best documentary feature Oscar |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/feb/29/amy-wins-best-documentary-feature-oscar |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185516/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2016/feb/29/amy-wins-best-documentary-feature-oscar |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=The Guardian}} while taking part in Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck and The Beatles: Eight Days a Week documentaries. In January 2016, UMG hired David Blackman from Laurence Mark Production where he was president of production as head of film and television development and production, and theater producer Scott Landis as special advisor on theatrical development and production. UMG Executive Vice President Michele Anthony and Universal Music Publishing Group Chairman and CEO Jody Gerson have oversight of the pair.{{Cite news |last=Chagollan |first=Steve |date=January 7, 2016 |title=Universal Music Group Taps David Blackman, Scott Landis for Film, TV Development and Production |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2016/music/news/universal-music-groupdavid-blackman-scott-landis-1201674375/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703062336/http://variety.com/2016/music/news/universal-music-groupdavid-blackman-scott-landis-1201674375/ |archive-date=July 3, 2017}} On 11 February 2017, PolyGram Entertainment was relaunched as a film and television unit of Universal Music Group under David Blackman.{{Cite news |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=February 12, 2017 |title=Universal Music Group Revives Polygram Label for Film and TV Production |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/universal-music-group-polygram-entertainment-motown-records-1201985415/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822184225/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/universal-music-group-polygram-entertainment-motown-records-1201985415/ |archive-date=August 22, 2017}}

In 2015, UMG's Capitol Records earned all the major Grammy Awards for the year, with Sam Smith receiving Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year awards and Beck winning Album of the Year.{{Cite web |last=Lewis |first=Randy |date=February 9, 2015 |title=Grammy Awards bring gold to revitalized Capitol Records |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-grammy-awards-capitol-records-sam-smith-beck-20150209-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425154419/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-grammy-awards-capitol-records-sam-smith-beck-20150209-story.html |archive-date=April 25, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Los Angeles Times}} In March 2016, Universal Music Canada donated the archives of EMI Music Canada to the University of Calgary.{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2016 |title=Universal Music Canada donates EMI Music Canada archive to University of Calgary |work=Music Canada |url=https://musiccanada.com/news/universal-music-canada-donates-emi-music-canada-archive-to-university-of-calgary/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019035712/http://musiccanada.com/news/universal-music-canada-donates-emi-music-canada-archive-to-university-of-calgary/ |archive-date=October 19, 2016 |access-date=September 17, 2020 |last1=Gonshor |first1=Bram }} In May 2016, UMG acquired Famehouse, a digital marketing agency.{{Cite magazine |last=Rys |first=Dan |title=Universal Music Group Buys Digital Marketer Fame House From SFX |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7385975/universal-music-group-buys-fame-house-sfx |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531035246/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7385975/universal-music-group-buys-fame-house-sfx |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019}} That same year, Paul McCartney and the Bee Gees both signed to UMG's Capitol Records, including their catalog releases.{{Cite magazine |last=Halperin |first=Shirley |title=Paul McCartney Signs Worldwide Deal with Capitol Records |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7469706/paul-mccartney-signs-worldwide-deal-with-capitol-records |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615161009/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7469706/paul-mccartney-signs-worldwide-deal-with-capitol-records |archive-date=June 15, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019}}{{Cite magazine |title=The Bee Gees Ink Worldwide Deal With Capitol Records |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7595842/bee-gees-capitol-records-deal |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128130046/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7595842/bee-gees-capitol-records-deal |archive-date=November 28, 2018 |access-date=May 8, 2019}} In April 2017, UMG signed a new multi-year licensing agreement with Spotify, the world's leading streaming service, and in May 2017, UMG signed a deal with Tencent, China's biggest gaming and social media firm.{{Cite web |last=Atkinson |first=Claire |date=April 3, 2017 |title=Spotify, UMG finally reach long-term streaming deal |url=https://nypost.com/2017/04/03/spotify-umg-finally-reach-long-term-streaming-deal/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185515/https://nypost.com/2017/04/03/spotify-umg-finally-reach-long-term-streaming-deal/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=New York Post |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=May 16, 2017 |title=Universal Music Group Inks Major Licensing Deal With Tencent in China |url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/universal-licensing-deal-tencent-china-1202428425/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214155115/https://variety.com/2017/music/news/universal-licensing-deal-tencent-china-1202428425/ |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Variety |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cadell |first=Cate |date=May 16, 2017 |title=China's Tencent seals exclusive music licensing deal with UMG |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tencent-umg/chinas-tencent-seals-exclusive-music-licensing-deal-with-umg-idUSKCN18C16A |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185515/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tencent-umg/chinas-tencent-seals-exclusive-music-licensing-deal-with-umg-idUSKCN18C16A |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Reuters |language=en}} In July 2017, "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee and featuring Justin Bieber, became the most streamed track of all time. By 2018, the song had broken several Guinness World Records, including Most Weeks at Number 1 on Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and most-viewed video online.{{Cite web |date=July 19, 2017 |title='Despacito' Makes History as Most Streamed Song of All Time |url=https://variety.com/2017/music/news/despacito-most-streamed-song-all-time-ever-1202499612/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202193315/https://variety.com/2017/music/news/despacito-most-streamed-song-all-time-ever-1202499612/ |archive-date=February 2, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Variety |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Roiz |first=Jessica |title=Luis Fonsi Breaks Seven Guinness World Records Titles Thanks To 'Despacito' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8480426/luis-fonsi-despacito-breaks-guinness-world-records |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430223928/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/8480426/luis-fonsi-despacito-breaks-guinness-world-records |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019}}

In August 2017, UMG and Grace/Beyond agreed to develop three new music-based television series, 27, Melody Island and Mixtape. 27 would focus on musicians at the age of 27, an age at which several iconic musicians died. Melody Island was an animated series based on tropical island music with live craft segments. Mixtape had twelve episodes, with each episode connected to a song.{{Cite news |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=August 21, 2017 |title=Universal Music Group Partners With 'Beat Bugs' Producers for Three New Music-Based Series |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/universal-music-group-beat-bugs-producers-music-based-series-1202533347/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821172509/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/universal-music-group-beat-bugs-producers-music-based-series-1202533347/ |archive-date=August 21, 2017}} In October 2017, UMG announced the launch of its Accelerator Engagement Network, an initiative aimed to help develop music-based startups around the world.{{Cite web |last=Espinoza |first=Josh |title=Universal Music Group's New Program to Benefit Music-Based Startups |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2017/10/universal-music-group-accelerator-program-music-startups |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185517/https://www.complex.com/music/2017/10/universal-music-group-accelerator-program-music-startups |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Complex |language=en}} In November 2017, USC Annenberg announced UMG's partnership in the "Annenberg Inclusion Initiative", becoming the first music company to do so. The initiative is meant to create change for representation of women and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in the media industry.{{Cite web |title=USC Annenberg launches 'Annenberg Inclusion Initiative' |url=https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/annenberg-inclusion-initiative/usc-annenberg-launches-annenberg-inclusion-initiative |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185528/https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/annenberg-inclusion-initiative/usc-annenberg-launches-annenberg-inclusion-initiative |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=annenberg.usc.edu |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=November 16, 2017 |title=Universal 'accelerates efforts to promote diversity and inclusion' with new initiative |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-accelerates-efforts-to-promote-diversity-and-inclusion-with-new-initiative/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185518/https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-accelerates-efforts-to-promote-diversity-and-inclusion-with-new-initiative/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=Music Business Worldwide}} In December 2017, Universal Music Group acquired Stiff and ZTT labels, along with Perfect Songs Publishing, from Trevor Horn's SPZ Group;{{Cite magazine |title=Universal Music Acquires Iconic British Labels Stiff Records and ZTT |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/8071006/universal-music-acquires-iconic-british-indie-labels-stiff |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512095828/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/8071006/universal-music-acquires-iconic-british-indie-labels-stiff |archive-date=May 12, 2018 |access-date=December 19, 2017}} BMG Rights Management, through Union Square Music subsidiary, retained its back catalogues. That same month, UMG signed a global, multi-year agreement with Facebook becoming the first of The "Big Three" to license its recorded music and publishing catalogs for video and other social experiences across Facebook, Instagram and Oculus.{{Cite web |last=Steigard |first=Alexandra |date=December 21, 2017 |title=Universal Music signs multiyear licensing deal with Facebook |url=https://nypost.com/2017/12/21/universal-music-signs-multiyear-licensing-deal-with-facebook/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185518/https://nypost.com/2017/12/21/universal-music-signs-multiyear-licensing-deal-with-facebook/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=New York Post |language=en}} Sony and Warner signed similar contracts with Facebook the following year. Furthermore, on 19 December 2017, UMG signed a multi-year licensing agreement with YouTube.{{Cite web |last=Steigrad |first=Alexandra |date=December 20, 2017 |title=YouTube signs deal with UMG, Sony over streaming policies |url=https://nypost.com/2017/12/19/youtube-signs-deal-with-umg-sony-over-streaming-policies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508185516/https://nypost.com/2017/12/19/youtube-signs-deal-with-umg-sony-over-streaming-policies/ |archive-date=May 8, 2019 |access-date=May 8, 2019 |website=New York Post |language=en}}

In June 2018, Universal Music Japan announced an exclusive license agreement with Disney Music Group.{{Cite web |date=June 25, 2018 |title=ウォルト・ディズニー・レコーズの日本国内における独占ライセンス契約を締結 |url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001323.000000664.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190716061858/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001323.000000664.html |archive-date=July 16, 2019 |access-date=May 15, 2019 |website=プレスリリース・ニュースリリース配信シェアNo.1｜PR TIMES}} With the addition of Japan, UMG distributes releases from Disney Music Group globally. In July, the Rolling Stones signed a worldwide agreement with UMG covering the band's recorded music and audio-visual catalogues, archival support, global merchandising and brand management.{{Cite web |date=July 8, 2018 |title=Rolling Stones Expand Partnership With Universal Music Group |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rolling-stones-expands-partnership-universal-music-group-1125570 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709035808/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/rolling-stones-expands-partnership-universal-music-group-1125570 |archive-date=July 9, 2018 |access-date=May 15, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en}} That same month, Vivendi announced it would explore selling as much as half of Universal Music Group to one or more investors.{{Cite web |last=Keslassy |first=Elsa |date=July 30, 2018 |title=Vivendi to Sell Up to Half of Universal Music Group |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/vivendi-universal-music-group-sale-lady-gaga-drake-1202889707/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214014530/https://variety.com/2018/music/news/vivendi-universal-music-group-sale-lady-gaga-drake-1202889707/ |archive-date=December 14, 2018 |access-date=December 28, 2018 |website=Variety }}{{Cite magazine |last=Karp |first=Hannah |title=Why a Partial Universal Music Group Sale Could Spark a Wider Music Biz Selloff |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8469472/universal-music-partial-sale-music-biz-consolidation-vivendi |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803053934/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8469472/universal-music-partial-sale-music-biz-consolidation-vivendi |archive-date=August 3, 2019 |access-date=May 16, 2019}} In Nielsen's 2018 US Music Mid-Year report, UMG made history with eight of the Top 10 artists, including all of the top five, as well as all of the top eight artists ranked by on-demand audio streams.{{Cite web |title=Rumor Mill – It's Good to Be King—better Than Ever, in Fact |url=http://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=312570 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227050524/https://hitsdailydouble.com/news%26id%3D312570 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |access-date=May 15, 2019 |website=HITS Daily Double |language=en}} In August 2018, UMG announced a strategic expansion in Africa, opening an office in Abidjan to oversee French-speaking Africa, and also unveiling a Universal Music Nigeria office in Lagos to focus on signing local artists and taking them global.{{Cite web |date=August 4, 2015 |title=Universal Music to boost its investment in Africa |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/universal-music-boost-its-investment-africa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210309042905/https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/universal-music-boost-its-investment-africa |archive-date=March 9, 2021 |access-date=May 15, 2019 |website=Music In Africa |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Adegoke |first=Yinka |date=July 17, 2018 |title=The world's biggest music company is setting its sights on Africa |url=https://qz.com/africa/1328454/universal-music-group-the-worlds-biggest-music-company-sets-its-sights-on-africa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522092225/https://qz.com/africa/1328454/universal-music-group-the-worlds-biggest-music-company-sets-its-sights-on-africa/ |archive-date=May 22, 2019 |access-date=May 15, 2019 |website=Quartz Africa |language=en}} In September 2018, singer Elton John signed a global partnership agreement with UMG across recorded music, music publishing, brand management, and licensing rights.{{Cite news |date=September 21, 2018 |title=Elton John signs with Universal 'for the rest of his career' |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eltonjohn-idUSKCN1M121P |url-status=live |access-date=May 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323205253/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eltonjohn-idUSKCN1M121P |archive-date=March 23, 2020}}

On 19 November 2018, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift signed a new multi-album deal with UMG, in the United States, her future releases will be promoted under the Republic Records imprint. In addition to the promised ownership of her master recordings, UMG agreed to, in case it sells portions of its stake in Spotify, distribute proceeds among its artists and make them non-recoupable.{{Cite magazine |last=Wang |first=Amy X. |date=November 19, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift's New Record Deal Affects Thousands of Other Musicians |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-universal-republic-deal-spotify-758102/ |url-status=live |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221710/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-universal-republic-deal-spotify-758102/ |archive-date=November 26, 2018 |access-date=November 26, 2018}}{{Cite news |last=Willman |first=Chris |date=August 27, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift Stands to Make Music Business History as a Free Agent |language=en-US |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/taylor-swift-stands-to-make-music-business-history-as-a-free-agent-1202918336/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829021649/https://variety.com/2018/music/news/taylor-swift-stands-to-make-music-business-history-as-a-free-agent-1202918336/ |archive-date=August 29, 2018}}{{Cite news |last1=Aswad |first1=Jem |last2=Willman |first2=Chris |date=November 19, 2018 |title=Taylor Swift Signs New Deal With Universal Music Group |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2018/music/news/taylor-swift-news-alert-1203032124/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119184301/https://variety.com/2018/music/news/taylor-swift-news-alert-1203032124/ |archive-date=November 19, 2018}} In December 2018, Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" became the most-streamed song from the pre-streaming era and the most-streamed classic rock song of all time.{{Cite web |last=Hassan |first=Aisha |date=December 11, 2018 |title=Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" is the most streamed classic rock song of all time |url=https://qz.com/quartzy/1491751/queens-bohemian-rhapsody-most-streamed-classic-rock-song-ever/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181212123418/https://qz.com/quartzy/1491751/queens-bohemian-rhapsody-most-streamed-classic-rock-song-ever/ |archive-date=December 12, 2018 |access-date=May 15, 2019 |website=Quartzy |language=en}} In February 2019, UMG fully acquired music distributor INgrooves.{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2019 |title=Universal Music to Acquire Distributor Ingrooves in Move to Strengthen Commitment to Indie Labels |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/8498068/universal-music-to-acquire-distributor-ingrooves-in-move-to |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213165559/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/8498068/universal-music-to-acquire-distributor-ingrooves-in-move-to |archive-date=February 13, 2019 |access-date=March 21, 2019 |publisher=Billboard}} In June 2019, YouTube and UMG announced that they were upgrading more than 1,000 popular music videos to high definition, releasing them through 2020.{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Gavin |date=June 19, 2019 |title=That Glitchy Music Video on YouTube? It's Getting an Upgrade |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/19/arts/music/youtube-universal-video-upgrade.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621110052/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/19/arts/music/youtube-universal-video-upgrade.html |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |website=The New York Times}} In August 2019, Tencent and Vivendi started negotiation to sell 10% Vivendi's stake of Universal Music to Tencent.{{Cite magazine |title=Vivendi Enters Talks With Tencent to Sell Stake In Universal Music Group |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8526182/vivendi-talks-tencent-sell-stake-universal-music-group |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806083518/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8526182/vivendi-talks-tencent-sell-stake-universal-music-group |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |access-date=August 6, 2019}} The deal is expected to be of $3.36 billion.{{Cite web |last=Chu |first=Henry |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Tencent in Talks to Buy 10% of Universal Music Group |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/tencent-talks-buy-stake-universal-music-group-vivendi-1203293477/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806084539/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/tencent-talks-buy-stake-universal-music-group-vivendi-1203293477/ |archive-date=August 6, 2019 |access-date=August 6, 2019 |website=Variety |language=en}}

In February 2020, Vivendi announced it was planning to go public in an IPO within three years.{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=February 13, 2020 |title=Universal Music Group Planning IPO Within Next Three Years |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/universal-music-group-ipo-public-offering-vivendi-1203503339/ |access-date=August 20, 2021 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} On 16 June 2020, Universal rebranded Virgin EMI Records as EMI Records and named Rebecca Allen (former president of UMG's Decca label) as the label's president,{{Cite web |last=Mark Sutherland |title=Virgin EMI rebrands as EMI, Rebecca Allen appointed as label president |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/virgin-emi-rebrands-as-emi-rebecca-allen-appointed-as-label-president/080102 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616214143/https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/virgin-emi-rebrands-as-emi-rebecca-allen-appointed-as-label-president/080102 |archive-date=June 16, 2020 |access-date=June 16, 2020 |website=Music Week}} bringing back the EMI brand. The same day, UMG announced launch of its new affiliates in Morocco and Israel.{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2020 |title=UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP EXPANDS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA |url=https://www.universalmusic.com/universal-music-group-expands-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618102109/https://www.universalmusic.com/universal-music-group-expands-in-the-middle-east-and-north-africa/ |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |access-date=June 17, 2020 |website=Universal Music Group |language=en}} In July 2020, UMG signed a new multi-year licensing agreement with Spotify{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=July 22, 2020 |title=Spotify, Universal Music Group Reach Multiyear, Global Licensing Deal |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/spotify-universal-music-group-licensing-deal-1234713082/ |access-date=August 20, 2021 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} In June 2021, Pershing Square Tontine Holdings, a special-purpose acquisition company run by investor Bill Ackman, announced it would acquire 10 percent of UMG before it went public, in a $4 billion transaction. The deal collapsed in July 2021 due to regulatory concerns, and it was announced that Ackman's Pershing Square Holdings would complete the purchase instead.{{Cite magazine |last=Ingham |first=Tim |date=July 19, 2021 |title=Universal Music's SPAC Deal Is No More |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/pro/news/universal-music-spac-pershing-sec-1198996/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |access-date=August 20, 2021}} In September 2021, IPO, Euronext Amsterdam announces an introduction price of €18,50{{Clarify|reason=How much? is it 18.5 Euros or 18.5 million Euros. Or possibly 18.5 billion Euros. Its confusing.|date=October 2021}} and Vivendi set an initial valuation for UMG at €33 billion ($38.3 billion). Vivendi distributed 60% of its UMG shares and retaining 10%. The family of French businessman Vincent Bolloré is revealed as the majority shareholder with 28% of UMG shares, through its holding company Bolloré (18%) and its subsidiary Vivendi (10%), headed by his son Yannick Bolloré. Tencent emerged as UMG's biggest corporate shareholder with 20% of shares. Pershing Square Holdings held 10% of UMG shares. In its IPO, UMG hits €54 billion ($62.6 billion) valuation which is over a third bigger than initial valuation.{{Cite web |date=September 21, 2021 |title=Universal hits massive valuation of $54bn as it lists on Amsterdam Stock Exchange |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-hits-massive-valuation-of-54bn-as-it-lists-on-amsterdam-stock-exchange/ |access-date=September 21, 2021 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}}

In January 2022, UMG (through INgrooves) acquired the Icelandic record label Alda Music, which owned the rights to nearly 80 percent of all music released in Iceland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.icelandreview.com/news/culture/majority-of-icelandic-music-catalogue-sold-to-universal-music/|title=Majority of Icelandic Music Catalogue Sold to Universal Music|first=Jelena|last=Ćirić|website=Icelandreview.com|date=January 24, 2022|access-date=June 15, 2025}} In February 2022, Universal Music Group announced a partnership with Curio, an NFT platform, to create NFT collections for its record labels and artists.{{Cite news |last=Chmielewski |first=Dawn |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Exclusive: Universal Music to develop collectible NFTs in deal with Curio platform |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/exclusive-universal-music-develop-collectible-nfts-deal-with-curio-platform-2022-02-17/ |access-date=March 15, 2022}} On 31 May 2022, Universal Music Group announced Baa1/BBB long-term credit ratings from Moody's and S&P.{{Cite web |date=May 31, 2022 |title=Universal Music Group assigned Baa1 and BBB long-term credit ratings by Moody's and S&P |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-assigned-baa1-and-bbb-long-term-credit-ratings-from-moodys-and-sp1/ |access-date=June 4, 2022 |website=Music Business Worldwide |language=en-US}} In October 2022, Mercedes-Benz launched a new in-car audio collaboration with Apple Music and Universal Music Group. With this new audio standard, UMG allows its artists to base their song approval process on how the final mix sounds in a Mercedes‑Benz and introduced the "Approved in a Mercedes‑Benz" label as a standard.{{Cite web |title=Mercedes-Benz Launches new Audio Collaboration With Apple Music & Universal Music Group |url=https://www.autofutures.tv/topics/mercedes-benz-launches-new-audio-collaboration-with-apple-music---universal-music-group/s/23f5d776-e231-475c-b510-982e091adb41 |access-date=October 18, 2022 |website=The NewsMarket |language=en}} In November 2022, Universal Music Group acquired a 49% stake in Play It Again Sam (PIAS Group), which brings together a series of independent labels.{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Group acquiert 49% du groupe belge indépendant PIAS |url=https://www.lecho.be/entreprises/divertissement/universal-music-group-acquiert-49-du-groupe-belge-independant-pias/10431384.html |access-date=September 19, 2023 |website=L'Echo|date=November 30, 2022 }}

In January 2023, Sherry Lansing was named the Chairman of Board of Directors of the Universal Music Group.{{Cite news |date=January 10, 2023 |title=SHERRY LANSING NAMED CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP N.V. |work=Universal Music Group |url=https://www.universalmusic.com/sherry-lansing-named-chairman-of-the-board-of-universal-music-group-n-v/ |access-date=January 10, 2023}} In August 2023, it was announced UMG had acquired the UAE-based music marketing, digital publishing and distribution agency, Chabaka.{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Group reveals Chabaka acquisition |url=https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/universal-music-group-reveals-chabaka-acquisition/088433 |access-date=August 30, 2023 |website=Musicweek.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Group acquires UAE-based music marketing and distribution agency Chabaka Music |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-strengthens-mena-presence-with-chabaka-music-acquisition/ |website=Music Business Worldwide |date=August 30, 2023 |access-date=October 9, 2023}} In 2023, Universal Music Group and Deezer announced their initiative to explore potential new business models for music streaming that better recognize the value created by artists.{{Cite web |title=Comment Universal Music et Deezer veulent révolutionner l'économie du streaming musical |url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/medias/comment-universal-music-et-deezer-veulent-revolutionner-l-economie-du-streaming-musical-20230907 |url-access=subscription |date=September 7, 2023 |first1=Caroline |last1=Sallé |access-date=September 19, 2023 |website=Le Figaro}}{{Cite web |title=Streaming : comment Deezer et Universal Music veulent aider les artistes à mieux monétiser leur musique |url=https://www.01net.com/actualites/streaming-deezer-et-universal-music-veulent-aider-les-artistes-a-mieux-monetiser-leur-musique.html |first1=Stéphanie |last1=Bascou |date=March 16, 2023 |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=01 Net}} Indeed, in September 2023, they announced their launch of an artist-centric streaming model designed to better remunerate the artists and music that fans mostly enjoy.{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Group Et Deezer Lancent Le Premier Modèle De Streaming Musical Centré Sur L'artiste (Artist-Centric) |url=https://www.boursorama.com/bourse/actualites/universal-music-group-et-deezer-lancent-le-premier-modele-de-streaming-musical-centre-sur-l-artiste-artist-centric-a5ffad8bb337778f49b374a78de56297 |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=Boursorama |date=September 6, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128233357/https://www.boursorama.com/bourse/actualites/universal-music-group-et-deezer-lancent-le-premier-modele-de-streaming-musical-centre-sur-l-artiste-artist-centric-a5ffad8bb337778f49b374a78de56297 |archive-date= January 28, 2024 }}{{Cite web |title=Deezer et Universal repensent le modèle de rémunération du streaming musical |url=https://www.lesechos.fr/tech-medias/medias/deezer-et-universal-repensent-le-modele-de-remuneration-du-streaming-musical-1975865 |access-date=September 28, 2023 |website=Les Echos|date=September 6, 2023 }} Also in 2023, Universal Music Group introduced a HBCU scholarship program for aspiring doctors.{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Group Partners With HBCU Medical Schools To Invest In The Futures Of Current Students |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/universal-music-group-partners-hbcu-191535134.html |access-date=September 19, 2023 |website=Yahoo!Finance}}{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Group Is Offering Scholarships To Black Students That Want To Become Doctors |url=https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/universal-music-group-hbcu-scholarship-black-doctors/ |access-date=September 19, 2023 |website=Essence|date=September 17, 2023 }}

In October 2023, UMG and BandLab Technologies formed a partnership to protect the rights of artists as well as songwriters and guarantee the 'ethical use' of Artificial Intelligence (AI).{{Cite web |title=Universal Music et BandLab s'associent pour protéger les droits des artistes dans un contexte d'utilisation croissante de l'IA |url=https://www.zonebourse.com/cours/action/UNIVERSAL-MUSIC-GROUP-N-V-127080831/actualite/Universal-Music-et-BandLab-s-associent-pour-proteger-les-droits-des-artistes-dans-un-contexte-d-uti-45092268/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Zonebourse|date=October 18, 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=Universal Music strikes 'first-of-its-kind' strategic AI partnership with BandLab Technologies |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-strikes-first-of-its-kind-strategic-ai-partnership-with-bandlab-technologies1/ |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Music Business Worldwide|date=October 18, 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=Universal Music et BandLab Technologies s'associent pour protéger les droits des artistes dans un contexte d'utilisation croissante de l'IA |url=https://www.boursorama.com/bourse/actualites/universal-music-et-bandlab-technologies-s-associent-pour-proteger-les-droits-des-artistes-dans-un-contexte-d-utilisation-croissante-de-l-ia-a027c93c605e8e70bdc5622ec74a0379 |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=Bursorama|date=October 18, 2023 }} Also in October 2023, UMG formed a new partnership with BMG Rights Management to develop collaborative initiatives to enlarge opportunities for BMG-signed artists all over the world.{{Cite web |title=BMG forms alliance with Universal Music Group; plans to move physical distribution to UMG's Commercial Services division |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/bmg-forms-alliance-with-universal-sets-plan-to-move-physical-distro-to-umgs-commercial-services-division12/ |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=Music Business Worldwide|date=October 19, 2023 }} Unable to reach a licensing agreement with TikTok, UMG removed its music from the platform in January 2024,{{Cite news |date=February 1, 2024 |last=Sisario |first=Ben |title=Universal Music Group Pulls Songs From TikTok |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/arts/music/universal-group-tiktok-music.html |access-date=February 4, 2024}} During UMG's fourth-quarter earnings call on 29 February, Grainge said: "There must not be free rides for massive global platforms such as TikTok." The company reported that quarterly revenue rose 9 percent, to 3.2 billion euros ($3.5 billion).{{Cite web |last=Szalai |first=Georg |date=February 28, 2024 |title=Taylor Swift, Rolling Stones Help Drive Universal Music Group Quarterly Results |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/taylor-swift-universal-music-group-q4-earnings-report-2023-1235837070/ |access-date=March 5, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} Following the earnings call, UMG began a "strategic organizational redesign" that included company-wide layoffs.{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=March 4, 2024 |title=Layoffs Begin Hitting Universal Music Group; Capitol Co-President Arjun Pulijal Stepping Down |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/layoffs-universal-music-group-1235926985/ |access-date=March 5, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

{{Main|List of Universal Music Group labels}}

Universal Music Group co-developed with Google{{Cite web |last=RouteBot |date=April 12, 2009 |title=Universal Music Group and Google Partner for Vevo |url=https://routenote.com/blog/universal-music-group-and-google-partner-for-vevo/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |website=RouteNote Blog |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Announcing VEVO, a Partnership with Universal Music Group |url=https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/announcing-vevo-partnership-with/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |website=blog.youtube |language=en-us}} Vevo, a site designed for music videos inspired by Hulu, which similarly allows free ad-supported streaming of videos and other music content.{{Cite web |title=Universal to Create Hulu-like Music Video Site |url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/universal_to_create_hulu-like_music_video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919164734/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/universal_to_create_hulu-like_music_video |archive-date=September 19, 2016 |access-date=August 10, 2016}}

On 24 May 2018, Vevo announced that it would no longer continue distributing videos to Vevo.com, instead opting to primarily focus on YouTube syndication.{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=May 24, 2018 |title=Vevo to close website and mobile apps |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/vevo-close-website-mobile-apps-2324374 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207020413/https://www.nme.com/news/music/vevo-close-website-mobile-apps-2324374 |archive-date=February 7, 2019 |access-date=February 6, 2019 |website=NME}}

File:2105 Colorado Avenue.jpg

UMG's operational headquarters are located in Santa Monica, California. Interscope-Geffen-A&M and Universal Music Enterprises (UME), the company's catalog division, are headquartered in Santa Monica. Def Jam, Island and Republic Records also maintain offices there. UMG chairman & CEO Lucian Grainge is based at the company's Santa Monica offices. Universal Music Publishing is also headquartered in the city.

File:Capitol Records sunset.jpg]]

Capitol Music Group is headquartered at the Capitol Records Building in Hollywood.{{Cite web |date=November 26, 2012 |title=Steve Barnett to lead Capitol Music Group |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-steve-barnett-capitol-music-group-20121126,0,2641587.story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129034004/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/posts/la-et-ms-steve-barnett-capitol-music-group-20121126,0,2641587.story |archive-date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=April 16, 2020 |website=Los Angeles Times}} Universal Music Latin Entertainment is also headquartered in Hollywood.

Universal Music Group operates a secondary office in Woodland Hills that includes finance, royalty, and operations functions.{{Cite magazine |last=Levine |first=Robert |title=Cindy Oliver Q&A: Getting to Know the EVP in Charge of Doling Out the Dough to Universal Music Artists |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8466345/cindy-oliver-universal-music-royalty-revenue-interview |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608010534/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8466345/cindy-oliver-universal-music-royalty-revenue-interview |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2019}}

Universal Music Latin Entertainment is headquartered in Miami, Florida.

Universal Music Group Nashville is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Group Nashville |url=https://www.universalmusic.com/label/universal-music-group-nashville/ |access-date=June 5, 2022 |website=UMG |language=en-US}}

UMG has offices in New York City where Island Records, Def Jam Recordings, Republic Records, Verve Label Group, and Spinefarm Records are headquartered. By 2027, UMG will move their New York offices to PENN 2 which is adjacent to Madison Square Garden and above Penn Station. {{Cite web|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/universal-music-group-move-new-york-offices/|title=Universal Music Group to Move New York Offices in 2027|first=Elias|last=Leight|website=Billboard.com|date=May 20, 2025|access-date=June 15, 2025}}

Universal Music Spain is based in Madrid, Spain.

Universal Music Group Global (formerly known as Universal Music Group International (UMGI)) operates offices in London.{{Cite magazine |title=Universal Music Moving UK Headquarters from Kensington to King's Cross |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6721828/universal-music-uk-headquarters-kings-cross |date=October 6, 2015 |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608065608/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6721828/universal-music-uk-headquarters-kings-cross |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2019}}

Universal Music GmbH, the German subsidiary, is headquartered in Berlin. It moved in 2002 from Hamburg to the district Friedrichshain at the river Spree. In February 2024 the company moved out of the iconic building also called "Eierspeicher" into another office down the street.

Universal Music Group's Universal Music Polska is located in Warsaw.{{Cite web |title= O Firmie |url=https://www.universalmusic.pl/ofirmie |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504125105/https://universalmusic.pl/ofirmie |archive-date=May 4, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2019 |website=Universal Music Polska |language=pl}}

Universal Music Group's Universal Music Canada is located in Toronto.{{Cite magazine |last=Bliss |first=Karen |title=Universal Music Canada Relocating to 'Rock Star Building' in Downtown Toronto |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7767524/universal-music-canada-relocating-rock-star-building-toronto |date=April 19, 2017 |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607224625/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7767524/universal-music-canada-relocating-rock-star-building-toronto |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2019}}

Universal Music Japan is headquartered in Shibuya, Tokyo.

UMG operates in more than 60 territories around the world including Australia, Central America, Brazil, France, India, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, New Zealand, Russia, Ukraine, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and more.{{Cite web |title=Global |url=https://www.universalmusic.com/labels/global/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530203018/https://www.universalmusic.com/labels/global/ |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |access-date=May 30, 2019 |website=UMG}} Company's legal headquarters are in the Netherlands. Universal Music Group's largest corporate shareholder, Tencent, is headquartered in Shenzhen, China. Tencent's ultimate largest controlling corporate shareholder, Naspers, is headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa.{{Cite web |title=Naspers {{!}} Company Overview & News |url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/naspers/ |access-date=September 15, 2022 |website=Forbes |language=en |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220923112919/https://www.forbes.com/companies/naspers/?sh=85c14837170d |archive-date= September 23, 2022 }}

On 8 March 2022, UMG suspended all its operations in Russia, following the country's invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |date=March 8, 2022 |title=Universal Group suspends all operations in Russia |url=https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/universal-music-group-suspends-operations-in-russia |access-date=March 14, 2022 |website=Music Business Worldwide |first1=Murray |last1=Stassen }}

In 2023, UMG announced its expansion with its new office in Casablanca, Morocco.{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Group ouvre son bureau au Maroc |url=https://www.nrjmaroc.com/actualites/universal-music-group-ouvre-son-bureau-au-maroc |date=May 4, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2023 |website=NRJ Maroc |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230928174838/https://www.nrjmaroc.com/actualites/universal-music-group-ouvre-son-bureau-au-maroc |archive-date= September 28, 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=Universal Music annonce l'ouverture d'un bureau à Casablanca |url=https://www.h24info.ma/universal-music-annonce-louverture-dun-bureau-a-casablanca/ |date=May 4, 2023 |access-date=September 19, 2023 |website=H24Info |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514090024/https://www.h24info.ma/universal-music-annonce-louverture-dun-bureau-a-casablanca/ |archive-date= May 14, 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Morocco & North Africa : Un Hub régional pour la signature et le développement de talents locaux |url=https://fnh.ma/article/actualites-marocaines/Universal-Music-Morocco-North-Africa-Un-Hub-regional-pour-la-signature-et-le-developpement-de-talents-locaux |date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=September 21, 2023 |website=Finances News Hebdo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924211840/https://fnh.ma/article/actualites-marocaines/Universal-Music-Morocco-North-Africa-Un-Hub-regional-pour-la-signature-et-le-developpement-de-talents-locaux |archive-date= September 24, 2023 }}{{Cite web |title=Universal Music Morocco & North Africa démarre son activité avec la signature de 10 nouveaux artistes marocains |url=https://fr.le360.ma/culture/universal-music-morocco-north-africa-demarre-son-activite-avec-la-signature-de-10-nouveaux-artistes_JBYCH4MBORBNNFVE2WWQCG6KIM/ |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website=Le 360 |date=May 5, 2023 |first1=Qods |last1=Chabâa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231010211719/https://fr.le360.ma/culture/universal-music-morocco-north-africa-demarre-son-activite-avec-la-signature-de-10-nouveaux-artistes_JBYCH4MBORBNNFVE2WWQCG6KIM/ |archive-date= October 10, 2023 }}

As of January 2022, the company's shares were held by:

• Bolloré family: 28%
• Bolloré SE: 18%
• Vivendi SE: 10%
• Tencent: 20%
• Concerto Investment BV: 10%
• Scherzo Investment BV: 10%
• Pershing Square Holdings: 10%

{{main|CD price fixing}}

In 2000, music companies including UMG entered into consent agreements with the Federal Trade Commission,{{Cite web |title=USATODAY.com – States settle CD price-fixing case |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2002-09-30-cd-settlement_x.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207165313/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2002-09-30-cd-settlement_x.htm |archive-date=February 7, 2016 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=usatoday30.usatoday.com}} with no admission of liability,{{Cite news |title=Music firms settle price-fixing case |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/music-firms-settle-price-fixing-case/article1026746/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031041357/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/music-firms-settle-price-fixing-case/article1026746/ |archive-date=October 31, 2020}} whereby they agreed to discontinue the use of Minimum Advertised Price programs under which subsidized cooperative advertising was provided to retailers that agreed to adhere to minimum advertised pricing.

In 2002, a similar settlement was entered into with music publishers and distributors Sony Music, Warner Music, Bertelsmann Music Group, EMI Music and Universal Music Group and certain retailers, without admission of liability or wrongdoing, with various states. In settlement of the claim, the companies collectively agreed to pay a $67.4 million fine and distribute $75.7 million in CDs to public and non-profit groups. It was estimated that consumers were overcharged by $500 million and up to $5 per album.{{Cite news |last=Labaton |first=Stephen |date=May 11, 2000 |title=5 Music Companies Settle Federal Case On CD Price-Fixing |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/11/business/5-music-companies-settle-federal-case-on-cd-price-fixing.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113215828/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/05/11/business/5-music-companies-settle-federal-case-on-cd-price-fixing.html |archive-date=January 13, 2017 |issn=0362-4331}}

In May 2006, an investigation led by then New York Attorney General, Eliot Spitzer, concluded with a determination that Universal Music Group bribed radio stations to play songs from Ashlee Simpson, Brian McKnight, Big Tymers, Nick Lachey, Lindsay Lohan and other performers under Universal labels. The company paid $12 million to the state in settlement.{{Cite news |date=May 11, 2006 |title=Universal settles payola probe |work=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2006-05-11-payola_x.htm |url-status=live |access-date=December 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514094054/https://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2006-05-11-payola_x.htm |archive-date=May 14, 2021}}

In 2007, with the help of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Stephanie Lenz sued UMG's publishing company for allegedly improperly requesting that, pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, YouTube remove a 29-second home video in which Lenz's child danced to a recording of Prince's song "Let's Go Crazy".{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2007 |title=Complaint |url=https://www.eff.org/document/complaint-33 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022102156/https://www.eff.org/document/complaint-33 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=Electronic Frontier Foundation |language=en}} After years of litigation, the suit settled in 2018, prior to the court holding a trial on whether UMG had a subjective belief that the video was infringing and not fair to use before sending its request to YouTube.{{Cite web |date=June 6, 2018 |title=A Landmark Legal Battle Over a Toddler Dancing to Prince Song Looks to Be Ending |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/a-landmark-legal-battle-a-toddler-dancing-prince-song-looks-be-ending-1117660 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721173912/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/a-landmark-legal-battle-a-toddler-dancing-prince-song-looks-be-ending-1117660 |archive-date=July 21, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Jonathan |date=June 19, 2018 |title=The Non-Legacy of the Dancing Baby Case |url=https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2018/06/19/the-non-legacy-of-the-dancing-baby-case/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801182638/https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2018/06/19/the-non-legacy-of-the-dancing-baby-case/ |archive-date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=Plagiarism Today |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=May 14, 2007 |title=Universal Music Group Backs Off Claims to Michelle Malkin Video |url=https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2007/05/universal-music-group-backs-claims-michelle-malkin-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220232735/https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2007/05/universal-music-group-backs-claims-michelle-malkin-video |archive-date=February 20, 2021 |access-date=December 16, 2011 |publisher=Electronic Frontier Foundation}} In April 2016, UMG had the audio muted of a video clip showing Katherine Jenkins singing the British national anthem. They claimed that the recording of "God Save the Queen" was copyrighted, and YouTube initially complied with this request, but subsequently offered the video with the original audio track.{{Cite web |date=April 22, 2016 |title=They Are The People |url=http://wingsoverscotland.com/they-are-the-people/#more-84381 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818213009/http://wingsoverscotland.com/they-are-the-people/#more-84381 |archive-date=August 18, 2016 |access-date=August 10, 2016 |language=en-US}}

In December 2007, UMG announced a deal with Imeem that allowed users of the social network to listen to any track from Universal's catalogue for free with a portion of the advertising generated by the music being shared with the record label.{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071213092120/http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gqp7ASUPylhmS0K0wIrttzm3Kn8gD8TECHJG0|title=Universal Music Inks Deal With Imeem|website=Web.archive.org|access-date=June 15, 2025}} All traffic was redirected to MySpace after that company acquired Imeem on December 8, 2009.{{Cite web |date=December 8, 2009 |title=Ok, Now It's Done. MySpace Music Completes Acquisition Of iMeem |url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/12/08/imeem-myspace-music-completes-acquisition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514094104/https://techcrunch.com/2009/12/08/imeem-myspace-music-completes-acquisition/ |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=TechCrunch |language=en-US}}

{{Main|2008 Universal Studios fire}}

According to Jody Rosen of The New York Times, the fire which swept through Universal Studios Hollywood on 1 June 2008, caused "the biggest disaster in the history of the music business".{{Cite news |last=Rosen |first=Jody |date=June 11, 2019 |title=The Day the Music Burned |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/11/magazine/universal-fire-master-recordings.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611110111/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/11/magazine/universal-fire-master-recordings.html |archive-date=June 11, 2019 |issn=0362-4331}} In space rented from NBCUniversal, according to an official document marked "Confidential", the fire destroyed at least 118,230 "assets" (master recordings), or about 500,000 song titles, owned by UMG. "The vault housed tape masters for Decca, the pop, jazz and classical powerhouse; it housed master tapes for the storied blues label Chess; it housed masters for Impulse!, the groundbreaking jazz label. The vault held masters for the MCA, ABC, A&M, Geffen and Interscope labels; as well as some smaller subsidiary labels. Nearly all of these masters—in some cases, the complete discographies of entire record labels—were wiped out in the fire."{{Cite news |last=Chokshi |first=Niraj |date=June 11, 2019 |title=Recordings by Elton John, Nirvana and Thousands More Lost in Fire |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/11/us/master-recordings-universal-fire.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611112408/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/11/us/master-recordings-universal-fire.html |archive-date=June 11, 2019 |issn=0362-4331}} In a statement issued on 12 June 2019, UMG said The New York Times article contained "numerous inaccuracies, misleading statements, contradictions and fundamental misunderstandings of the scope of the incident and affected assets."{{Cite news |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=June 11, 2019 |title=Universal Music Disputes Severity of 2008 Fire Cited in New York Times Article |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/universal-music-disputes-severity-2008-vault-fire-new-york-times-1203239661/ |url-status=live |access-date=June 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611211448/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/universal-music-disputes-severity-2008-vault-fire-new-york-times-1203239661/ |archive-date=June 11, 2019}}

Following the publication of the New York Times story, Questlove of The Roots confirmed that the master tapes for two of the band's albums, including unused material and multi-track recordings, were lost in the fire.{{Cite web |date=June 11, 2019 |title=Hole Say They Were Never Told About Lost Recordings in Warehouse Fire |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/hole-say-they-were-never-told-about-lost-recordings-in-warehouse-fire/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611234239/https://pitchfork.com/news/hole-say-they-were-never-told-about-lost-recordings-in-warehouse-fire/ |archive-date=June 11, 2019 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |website=Pitchfork |language=en}} Similarly, Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic said he believed the masters for the band's 1991 album Nevermind were "gone forever" as a result of the fire. Representatives for R.E.M. announced they would investigate the effects the fire may have had on the band's archival materials, while Hole, Steely Dan, Rosanne Cash and Geoff Downes made statements on their possible losses from the fire.{{Cite web |last=Holson |first=Laura M. |date=June 12, 2019 |title=Musicians Mourn the Fiery Destruction of Their Recordings: 'I Think They Are Gone Forever' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/12/us/universal-music-fire-musician-reactions.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612213856/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/12/us/universal-music-fire-musician-reactions.html |archive-date=June 12, 2019 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |website=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last=Colburn |first=Randall |date=June 12, 2019 |title=Nirvana's Krist Novoselic believes Nevermind masters lost in Universal fire |url=https://www.avclub.com/nirvanas-krist-novoselic-believes-nevermind-masters-los-1835460110 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612221329/https://news.avclub.com/nirvanas-krist-novoselic-believes-nevermind-masters-los-1835460110 |archive-date=June 12, 2019 |access-date=June 12, 2019 |website=News}}

A representative for Eminem confirmed that the rapper's master recordings were digitized months before the fire, but could not confirm whether the physical master reels of his recordings were affected.{{Cite magazine |date=June 12, 2019 |title=Eminem Master Tapes Were Digitally Backed Up Just Months Before Universal Fire: Report |url=https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/8515652/eminem-master-tapes-were-digitally-backed-up-just-months |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190612190650/https://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/record-labels/8515652/eminem-master-tapes-were-digitally-backed-up-just-months |archive-date=June 12, 2019 |access-date=June 12, 2019}} UMG archivist Patrick Kraus assured that the Impulse! Records, John Coltrane, Muddy Waters, Ahmad Jamal, Nashboro Records, and Chess Records masters survived the fire and were still in Universal's archive.{{Cite magazine |date=June 17, 2019 |title=Universal Music Group Archivist: Vault Fire Damage 'Surprisingly Overstated,' But Any Loss Is 'Painful for Us' |url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8516256/umg-archivist-interview-universal-fire-masters-tapes-litigation |url-status=live |magazine=Billboard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820144505/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/8516256/umg-archivist-interview-universal-fire-masters-tapes-litigation |archive-date=August 20, 2020 |access-date=August 1, 2020}}

Howard King filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles on 21 June 2019, on behalf of Soundgarden, Hole, Steve Earle, the estate of Tupac Shakur and a former wife of Tom Petty that seeks class action status for artists whose master recordings were believed to have been destroyed in the Universal Studios fire.{{Cite web |last=Sisario |first=Ben |date=June 21, 2019 |title=Artists Sue Universal Music Group Over Losses in 2008 Fire |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/21/business/media/universal-music-fire-lawsuit.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625232309/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/21/business/media/universal-music-fire-lawsuit.html |archive-date=June 25, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |website=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Eriq |date=June 19, 2019 |title=A Universal Music Fire Case Could Break New Legal Ground |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/a-universal-music-fire-case-could-break-new-legal-ground-1219590 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190627075040/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/a-universal-music-fire-case-could-break-new-legal-ground-1219590 |archive-date=June 27, 2019 |access-date=June 25, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en}}

On 9 December 2011, Megaupload published a music video titled: "The Mega Song", showing artists including Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys and will.i.am endorsing the company.{{cite web |url-status=live |url=http://torrentfreak.com/riaa-label-artists-a-list-stars-endorse-megaupload-in-new-song-111209/ |title=RIAA Label Artists & A-List Stars Endorse Megaupload In New Song |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714205742/http://torrentfreak.com/riaa-label-artists-a-list-stars-endorse-megaupload-in-new-song-111209/ |archive-date=July 14, 2012 |date=December 9, 2011 |access-date=December 13, 2011 |website=TorrentFreak |first1=Andy |last1=Maxwell }} The music video was also uploaded to YouTube, but was removed following a takedown request by UMG. Megaupload said that the video contained no infringing content, commenting: "we have signed agreements with every featured artist for this campaign".{{cite web |url-status=dead |url=http://torrentfre→ak.com/universal-censors-megaupload-song-gets-branded-a-rogue-label-111210/ |title=Universal Censors Megaupload Song, Gets Branded a "Rogue Label" |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729205813/http://torrentfreak.com/universal-censors-megaupload-song-gets-branded-a-rogue-label-111210/ |archive-date=July 29, 2012 |date=December 10, 2011 |access-date=December 13, 2011 |author1=enigmax |website=TorrentFreak }} Megaupload requested an apology from UMG, and filed a lawsuit against the company in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, on 12 December 2011.{{cite web |url-status=live |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/dec/13/megaupload-universal-youtube-video |title=Megaupload threatens to sue Universal over YouTube video |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801154317/http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2011/dec/13/megaupload-universal-youtube-video?newsfeed=true |archive-date=August 1, 2012 |website=The Guardian |location=London |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=December 13, 2011 |first1=Sean |last1=Michaels }}{{cite web |url-status=live |url=http://torrentfreak.com/megaupload-to-sue-universal-joins-fight-against-sopa-111212/ |title=Megaupload to Sue Universal, Joins Fight Against SOPA |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717145853/http://torrentfreak.com/megaupload-to-sue-universal-joins-fight-against-sopa-111212/ |archive-date=July 17, 2012 |date=December 12, 2011 |access-date=December 13, 2011 |website=TorrentFreak |first1=Andy |last1=Maxwell }}

UMG denied that the takedown was ordered under the terms of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and said that the takedown was "pursuant to the UMG-YouTube agreement," which gives UMG "the right to block or remove user-posted videos through YouTube's CMS (Content Management System) based on a number of contractually specified criteria."{{cite web |url-status=live |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/12/umg-we-have-the-right-to-block-or-remove-youtube-videos.ars |title=UMG claims "right to block or remove" YouTube videos it doesn't own |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707235754/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2011/12/umg-we-have-the-right-to-block-or-remove-youtube-videos/ |archive-date=July 7, 2012 |website=Ars Technica |date=December 16, 2011 |access-date=December 16, 2011 |first1=Timothy B. |last1=Lee }} The video was subsequently returned to YouTube, with the reasons for the UMG takedown remaining unclear.{{cite web |url-status=live |url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/file-sharing-company-sues-record-label-for-a-change/ |title=File-Sharing Company Sues Record Label, for a Change |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711073452/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/13/file-sharing-company-sues-record-label-for-a-change/ |archive-date=July 11, 2012 |website=The New York Times |date=December 13, 2011 |access-date=December 16, 2011 |first1=Ben |last1=Sisario }} Lawyers for will.i.am initially claimed that he had never agreed to the project, and on 12 December, he denied any involvement in the takedown notice.{{cite web |url-status=live |url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111214/18263517094/umg-megaupload-case-gets-even-stranger-william-says-he-didnt-authorize-takedown.shtml |title=UMG, MegaUpload Case Gets Even Stranger; Will.i.am Says He Didn't Authorize A Takedown |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120911195622/http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111214/18263517094/umg-megaupload-case-gets-even-stranger-william-says-he-didnt-authorize-takedown.shtml |archive-date=September 11, 2012 |website=Techdirt |date=December 15, 2011 |access-date=December 17, 2011 |first1=Mike |last1=Masnick }} Megaupload dismissed its case against UMG in January 2012 following the closure of the site by US authorities.{{Cite web |date=January 21, 2012 |title=Megaupload Drops Lawsuit Against Universal Music Over Viral Video (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/megaupload-universal-music-group-lawsuit-dropped-283767 |first1=Eriq |last1=Gardner |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190801182637/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/megaupload-universal-music-group-lawsuit-dropped-283767 |archive-date=August 1, 2019 |access-date=August 1, 2019 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en}}

On 5 February 2019, John Waite and Joe Ely filed a class-action lawsuit against UMG claiming that the company was violating their right to terminate grants of copyright after 35 years in accordance with copyright law of the United States by ignoring Notices of Termination. On 3 May 2019, UMG filed a motion to dismiss the case, stating the Notices of Termination were not valid because the songs were not grants of copyright but works for hire.{{Cite web |last=Sanchez |first=Daniel |date=May 7, 2018 |title=Universal Music Is Battling to Nullify the 35-Year Copyright Termination Right |url=https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2019/05/07/universal-music-group-v-copyright-act/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823042019/https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2019/05/07/universal-music-group-v-copyright-act/ |archive-date=August 23, 2020 |access-date=May 18, 2018 |publisher=Digital Music News }}

On 1 February 2024, music released by UMG was muted or removed from TikTok after UMG and TikTok failed to reach a licensing agreement.{{Cite web |last=Rosenblatt |first=Kalhan |date=February 1, 2024 |title=What happens when you can't use songs by Taylor Swift and other artists on TikTok? Users are starting to find out. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/internet/universal-music-group-tiktok-artists-concerns-rcna136767 |access-date=February 4, 2024 |website=NBC News}} The companies reached an agreement in May 2024 after which UMG's music was restored.{{Cite web |last=Tolentino |first=Daysia |date=2024-05-14 |title=Some of your favorite songs are returning to TikTok |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/tiktok-umg-songs-returning-rcna152099 |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=NBC News |language=en}}

{{main|Not Like Us#Legal actions}}

In a November 2024 pre-action petition, rapper Drake sought discovery from UMG and Spotify because they may have illegally conspired to use bots and payola to artificially inflate streams of Kendrick Lamar's song "Not Like Us" in violation of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and violated New York state law against deceptive business practices and false advertising.{{Cite magazine |last=Donahue |first=Bill |date=2024-11-25 |title=Drake Accuses UMG & Spotify of Scheme to 'Artificially Inflate' Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/drake-umg-spotify-schemed-boost-kendrick-not-like-us/ |access-date=2024-11-25 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} UMG denied the claims in a statement, calling Drake's legal arguments "contrived and absurd".

In May 2025, girl group Salt-N-Pepa sued UMG for the rights to their catalog. The duo says UMG has pulled its songs from streaming platforms in retaliation for its efforts to reclaim ownership of its masters.{{cite web |last=Monroe |first=Jazz |date=20 May 2025 |title=Salt-N-Pepa Sue Universal Music Group for Rights to Master Recordings |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/salt-n-pepa-sue-universal-music-group-for-rights-to-master-recordings/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=25 May 2025}}

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