Stock Movers Universal Music Surges, ASML Falls, Leonardo Dips
Apr 7, 2026
Chloe Melle, Bloomberg reporter covering European markets, walks through major movers across music, chips and defense. She breaks down Pershing Square’s bold Universal Music bid and shareholder hurdles. She covers US-led export curbs that could hit chip-tool makers like ASML. She also reports on possible leadership changes at Italy’s Leonardo and the market reaction.
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Ackman Offer Could Reshape Universal Music
- Pershing Square's bid would merge Universal Music with a SPAC and move its listing from Amsterdam to New York, valuing the company at a 78% premium to the prior close.
- Chloe Melle highlights shareholder approval risks, especially from Vincent Bolloré and Tencent, as the main hurdle to the deal happening.
Export Controls Threaten ASML Demand
- New US legislation would tighten export controls on chipmaking tools to China, including bans on engineers servicing equipment and pressuring allied suppliers in Japan and the Netherlands.
- Chloe Melle notes markets are split on impact: Bloomberg says demand already fell, while some analysts warn of significant unintended consequences for ASML.
Government Shakeup Hits Leonardo Shares
- Italy is set to replace Leonardo's CEO as the government reshuffles leadership at state-linked firms following a referendum setback, prompting market concern and share price weakness.
- Chloe Melle points to the timing as part of a broader political move to reassert control over major companies.