The American fund manager assures that he will try to delist Pershing Square Holdings and Universal Music Group from the Amsterdam listing after the anti-Semitic violence on Thursday evening.
The violence against Israeli fans that occurred on Thursday evening in Amsterdam after the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv also had repercussions on the financial markets. The day after this night of horror, Bill Ackman announced that he would seek to remove the investment fund Pershing Square Holdings from the Amsterdam Stock Exchange.
In a post addressed this Friday to his 1.5 million subscribers on platform “The board of directors had considered this decision because our second listing on the London Stock Exchange now represents over 90% of our trading, explains. The events that have occurred in Amsterdam in the last 24 hours definitively support this decision.”
“Good business” and “moral principles”
After last night’s violence, described as“explosion of anti-Semitism” According to the city’s mayor, Dutch police reported five people briefly hospitalized and 62 arrests. Israel sent planes to repatriate supporters. “Leaving a jurisdiction that does not protect its tourists and minority populations means both doing good business and respecting moral principles”says Bill Ackman, who believes the fund will benefit “save money and improve liquidity for shareholders”.
The 57-year-old billionaire says he has also started negotiations with the record company Universal Music Group (UMG), a company listed in Amsterdam and of which he is also a director, to transfer its listing and headquarters to the United States. “Pershing Square has the right to list UMG in the United States. We will exercise this right and get UMG listed in the US by the end of next year at the latest.”says Bill Ackman.
The fund manager, whose fortune was estimated by the magazine at $9.3 billion in 2024 Forbeshe made himself famous in the United States through several speculative stunts, including a billion-dollar bet against Herbalife shares in 2012. Bill Ackman also fights against inclusion and diversity policies in US companies and universities. It is believed to be partly responsible for the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay, who was accused of allowing an anti-Semitic campaign to flourish on campus.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Financial Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon! Today, we’re joined by Dr. Lisa Green, a financial analyst with extensive experience in international markets. Dr. Green, thank you for being here.
Dr. Lisa Green: Thank you for having me! I’m happy to discuss this critical issue.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. The violence in Amsterdam following the Europa League match between Ajax and Maccabi Tel-Aviv has stirred significant responses, including Bill Ackman’s announcement about delisting Pershing Square Holdings. What are your thoughts on how such incidents can impact markets and investor confidence?
Dr. Lisa Green: It’s a complex interplay. Markets respond not just to economic indicators but also to societal events. When violence, especially of an anti-Semitic nature, occurs, it raises concerns about the stability and safety of the environment in which these companies operate. Ackman’s decision reflects a protective stance for his investors, prioritizing not only financial metrics but also moral considerations in light of recent events.
Time.news Editor: Precisely. Ackman pointed out that over 90% of trading for Pershing Square now occurs on the London Stock Exchange. So, do you think this move towards delisting from Amsterdam is purely a financial decision, or are there deeper implications at play here?
Dr. Lisa Green: It’s definitely a mix of both. From a financial standpoint, maintaining a listing in a market that is becoming increasingly volatile or unsafe doesn’t make practical sense. But there’s also a moral obligation that leaders feel to protect their brands and investors from countries that don’t reflect their values. Ackman likely felt that, given the circumstances, staying listed in Amsterdam could go against those principles.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. We often hear about the concept of “good business” aligning with “moral principles.” In your opinion, how sustainable is this alignment in the long run, especially for firms operating on a global scale?
Dr. Lisa Green: It’s challenging but increasingly necessary. Today’s investors are not just looking at financial returns; they want to see their investments align with ethical standards. This doesn’t just enhance a company’s reputation but can also safeguard it against volatile political and social climates. Companies that prioritize moral principles alongside financial goals may find themselves better positioned for long-term success.
Time.news Editor: How do you see other companies responding to similar situations? Will we see more firms following Ackman’s lead, or are we likely to see varied responses based on individual company values?
Dr. Lisa Green: I expect varied responses. Some companies will act swiftly to protect their interests, while others may hesitate or consider alternative approaches, such as increased dialogue or corporate social responsibility initiatives. Ultimately, it’ll depend on how they weigh the risks against their business models and ethical guidelines.
Time.news Editor: Earlier, you mentioned corporate social responsibility. In the wake of violence and societal unrest, what role do you believe CSR plays in mitigating risks for investors?
Dr. Lisa Green: CSR is crucial in these contexts. When companies actively engage in their communities and invest in social initiatives, they build goodwill, which can act as a buffer during turbulent times. Good CSR practices can improve a company’s public image and create a loyal customer base, which, in turn, stabilizes financial performance.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Green, for shedding light on such an important topic. The intersection of ethics and finance is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s world.
Dr. Lisa Green: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing these pressing issues with you.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We’ll continue to monitor the developments regarding companies responding to societal events and the implications for financial markets. Stay connected for more insights!