Deals

Ackman Re-Engages With SPAC Target After Deal for UMG Stake

  • Investor tells companies looking to go public to give him call
  • His Remainco has $1.6 billion of cash for potential deal

Bill Ackman

Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg
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Bill Ackman said he has already re-engaged with a potential target for his remaining blank-check company after reaching a deal to buy a 10% stake in Universal Music Group before its spinoff from Vivendi SE this year.

As part of the deal announced Sunday with Vivendi, investors in Ackman’s blank-check company, Pershing Square Tontine Holdings Inc., will not only receive shares in Universal Music but will also retain common stock in Ackman’s remaining blank-check company, which he refers to as “Remainco.” They will also receive warrants in a soon-to-be-listed third vehicle, a special purpose acquisition rights company, or SPARC, which will give them an option to participate in future deals.