French media conglomerate Vivendi announced Tuesday that it signed an agreement to sell a stake of its wholly owned Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music company, to a consortium led by Chinese tech company Tencent Holdings.
The long-discussed arrangement provides for the sale of 10 percent of UMG — based on a 30 billion euro ($33.6 billion) valuation — to Tencent, with additional participation by Tencent Music Entertainment and other “certain global financial investors,” the companies said in a joint disclosure.
Given UMG’s established valuation, the deal means Vivendi should pocket roughly $3.3 billion for the stake sale, following regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The companies said the transaction should be wrapped up by the end of the first half of 2020.
Tencent also has a one-year “call” option to buy another 10 percent stake on the same terms. An additional agreement is already in the works that would allow Tencent Music, a joint venture of Tencent Holdings and Spotify, to acquire a minority share capital of UMG’s subsidiary in Greater China.
“Vivendi is very happy with the arrival of Tencent and its co-investors,” UMG said. “They will enable UMG to further develop in the Asian market.”
Added Tencent, “Tencent and the consortium members are excited to support UMG’s growth through this investment. Together with Vivendi, Tencent and Tencent Music Entertainment will work to broaden the opportunities for artists and to enrich experiences for music fans, further promoting a thriving music and entertainment industry.”
Consistent with previous statements that it planned to sell up to half of UMG, Vivendi also announced Tuesday that negotiations have begun on the potential sale of an additional minority share of the music giant — at a price at least matching the terms with Tencent.
The company said in its most recent earnings report that it is pursuing options to sell an additional minority stake to other partners, “some of whom have already expressed an interest in investing at a similar price level,” they said. Vivendi confirmed in July it had hired an investment bank to advise on transactions.
UMG is of course a major earner for Vivendi. Third-quarter revenues at the music giant were up 15.7 percent, to $1.733 billion, Vivendi reported in October, contributing to a revenue spike at the media conglomerate of nearly 14 percent, to $8.1 billion. Recorded music posted $1.538 billion, while music publishing continued to outperform with revenue growing to $327.6 million.
This story first appeared on billboard.com.
