Short answers, pulled from the story.
Universal Music Group traces its origins to the formation of the American branch of Decca Records in September 1934. Its name and logo originate from Carl Laemmle's Universal Pictures. MCA Inc. merged with American Decca in 1962, and the music division was formally renamed Universal Music Group on the 9th of December 1996.
As of early 2022, the Bolloré family holds 28 percent of UMG (18 percent through Bolloré SE and 10 percent through Vivendi). Tencent holds 20 percent, making it the largest corporate shareholder. Pershing Square Holdings holds 10 percent.
A fire at Universal Studios Hollywood on the 1st of June 2008 destroyed at least 118,230 master recording assets, representing approximately 500,000 song titles. Masters for labels including Decca, Chess, Impulse!, Geffen, and Interscope were among those lost. Archivist Patrick Kraus confirmed that masters for Impulse! Records, John Coltrane, Muddy Waters, and Chess Records survived.
UMG agreed to purchase EMI's recorded music operations in 2011 for £1.2 billion ($1.9 billion). The European Commission approved the deal on the 21st of September 2012 on the condition that UMG divest one third of its total operations, including Parlophone, Mute Records, Chrysalis Records, and several other labels. The acquisition was completed on the 28th of September 2012.
UMG listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange on the 21st of September 2021. At listing, the company reached a valuation of €54 billion ($62.6 billion), significantly exceeding Vivendi's initial estimate of €33 billion. Shares were priced at an introduction price of €18.50.
UMG removed its music from TikTok on the 1st of February 2024 after the two companies failed to reach a new licensing agreement. CEO Lucian Grainge stated on the 29th of February 2024 that "there must not be free rides for massive global platforms such as TikTok." A new agreement was reached in May 2024 and UMG's music was restored to the platform.