Renowned hedge fund manager Bill Ackman is urging Pershing Square Holdings and Universal Music Group to withdraw their listings from the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange following violent incidents that targeted Israeli soccer enthusiasts in Amsterdam. Ackman, who is at the helm of Pershing Square Capital Management, took to social media platform X, where he has a following of 1.5 million, to express his views. He believes that focusing on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) is both a financially prudent and ethically sound decision, especially in light of Amsterdam's inability to protect its visitors and minority communities.

The violent confrontations that took place in Amsterdam after a Europa League soccer match between Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv and the Dutch team Ajax led to several Israeli fans being hospitalized, with many others sustaining minor injuries. Authorities reported that 63 individuals were detained, with 10 remaining in custody after the chaos.

Ackman, who also serves on the board of Universal Music Group, indicated that the consideration to delist from Euronext Amsterdam was already underway before the attacks, as Pershing Square's trading is predominantly conducted on the LSE. He posits that relocating Pershing Square entirely to the LSE would not only reduce costs but also improve liquidity for shareholders.

The advocacy for Universal Music Group to delist from Euronext Amsterdam is similarly influenced by the recent Amsterdam attacks. Ackman asserts that Pershing Square has the contractual rights to facilitate the move of Universal Music Group from its Amsterdam base and stock exchange. He argues that Universal Music is undervalued because its primary listing is not on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq, which prevents it from being included in indices such as the S&P 500.

Ackman announced on X that he plans to use these rights to secure a US listing for Universal Music Group within the next year. However, a spokesperson for Universal Music contradicted Ackman's claim, stating that Pershing Square does not have the authority to force Universal Music to become a US-based company or to delist from Euronext Amsterdam. The spokesperson emphasized that while the company will fulfill its contractual obligations, any strategic decisions will be made with the goal of maximizing shareholder value.

At this time, Pershing Square Holdings has not responded to requests for comment, and Euronext has chosen not to comment on the matter concerning specific listed companies.

Bill Ackman's call for Pershing Square Holdings and Universal Music Group to delist from Euronext Amsterdam is a significant move that reflects a broader concern about the safety and ethical considerations of listing on certain stock exchanges. The violent incidents in Amsterdam have highlighted the need for companies to reassess their presence on stock exchanges that may not provide adequate protection for their stakeholders, including fans and investors.

Ackman's stance on the matter is twofold: firstly, he sees an opportunity to streamline Pershing Square's operations by concentrating its listings on the LSE, where the majority of its trading already takes place. This move would not only simplify the company's operations but also potentially increase shareholder value by improving liquidity. Secondly, he believes that the recent violence in Amsterdam is a clear indication that the city's stock exchange may not be the safest or most ethical place for companies like Universal Music Group to list.

The situation with Universal Music Group is particularly complex. Ackman claims that Pershing Square has the contractual leverage to move the company from Amsterdam to a US stock exchange, which he believes would increase its valuation and make it eligible for inclusion in major indices. However, Universal Music's response suggests that while they are committed to fulfilling their contractual obligations, they are not obligated to follow Ackman's directive and will make decisions based on what they believe will maximize shareholder value.

The debate over whether or not to delist from Euronext Amsterdam is not just about financial considerations; it is also about the moral and ethical implications of listing on a stock exchange that may not be able to ensure the safety and well-being of its visitors and minority groups. Ackman's advocacy for delisting is a reflection of his belief that companies have a responsibility to protect their stakeholders, and that includes choosing the right stock exchange on which to list.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Pershing Square Holdings and Universal Music Group will follow Ackman's advice and delist from Euronext Amsterdam. The decision will likely involve a careful evaluation of the financial, operational, and ethical implications of such a move. What is clear, however, is that the recent violence in Amsterdam has brought these issues to the forefront and has prompted a reevaluation of the role that stock exchanges play in the global financial landscape.

In conclusion, Bill Ackman's push for Pershing Square Holdings and Universal Music Group to delist from Euronext Amsterdam is a multifaceted issue that touches on financial strategy, shareholder value, and corporate responsibility. The violent incidents in Amsterdam have served as a catalyst for this debate, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the companies involved and the stock exchange industry as a whole.