NEW YORK CITY (VINnews) - Bill Ackman, the influential founder of Pershing Square Holdings, has revealed his strategy to seek approval from the board to delist the company from the Euronext Amsterdam exchange. This bold move comes as Ackman and his family control an impressive 23% of the company's shares, indicating a strong personal and financial stake in the firm’s future direction.

So, why is Ackman making this significant change? The justification for ditching the Euronext Amsterdam listing primarily stems from the overwhelming trading volume being executed through the London Stock Exchange (LSE), which now accounts for more than 90% of total transactions for Pershing Square. Such a drastic concentration has led Ackman to argue persuasively for focusing the company's listing on a single, more lucrative exchange—consolidating resources for maximum efficiency.

He didn't shy away from addressing recent troubling events in Amsterdam, stating, "Events in Amsterdam during the last 24 hours provide an appropriate tipping point for this conclusion." Ackman expressed that mounting concerns regarding the treatment of tourists and minority populations in the city provides a moral backdrop for reconsidering their trading venue.

By unifying Pershing Square’s presence on the LSE, Ackman foresees multiple advantages: cost savings, increased liquidity for shareholders, and overall business efficiency. “Concentrating the listing on one exchange, the LSE, and leaving a jurisdiction that fails to protect its tourists and minority populations combine both good business and moral principles,” he underscored.

But that’s not all—Ackman has broader aspirations tied to Universal Music Group (UMG). As a board member of UMG, which is currently both domiciled and listed in Amsterdam, he is advocating for moving the company’s domicile and listing to the United States. This strategic shift, he claims, could unlock a myriad of benefits: enhanced liquidity and a wider investor base.

Remarkably, Ackman pointed out that Pershing Square holds a contractual right to facilitate UMG’s U.S. listing, which he vows will be executed no later than next year. “UMG trades at a large discount to its intrinsic value with limited liquidity in significant part due to it not having its primary listing on the NYSE or Nasdaq, and not being eligible for inclusion in major indices like the S&P 500. We are going to fix this,” he declared emphatically.

In conclusion, Bill Ackman's proposals mark a monumental shift for both Pershing Square Holdings and Universal Music Group. By concentrating operations and aligning with ethical considerations, Ackman is not merely focusing on business gains but also resonating with sentiment in today’s socio-political climate. As these plans are set in motion, investors and market watchers alike will keenly observe the impacts of his ambitious vision! Stay tuned!