Who Owns Geffen Records?
Geffen Records is owned by Universal Music Group, a publicly traded music corporation listed on Euronext Amsterdam (AMS: UMG). The label operates as part of UMG's Interscope Geffen A&M division and is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, USA.
Parent Company
Universal Music Group
Acquired
1990
Status
Publicly Traded
Headquarters
Santa Monica, California, USA
Who Owns Geffen Records?
- Parent Company: Universal Music Group
- Ownership Type: Wholly owned
- Acquisition Year: 1990
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock Ticker: Euronext Amsterdam: UMG
| Brand | Parent Company | Ownership Type |
|---|---|---|
| Geffen Records | Universal Music Group | Wholly owned |
History of Geffen Records
- Founded: 1980
- Founders: David Geffen
- Acquired by Universal Music Group: 1990
Geffen Records was founded in 1980 by David Geffen, a legendary music industry figure who had previously worked as a talent manager and founded Asylum Records. The label quickly established itself as a major force in rock and pop music, signing innovative artists and building a reputation for artistic excellence and commercial success.
Throughout the 1980s, Geffen Records became synonymous with successful rock and pop music, launching the careers of major artists and signing established acts seeking new creative directions. The label's roster included some of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed artists of the era.
In 1990, MCA Records acquired Geffen Records from David Geffen, bringing the label into a larger corporate structure while maintaining its distinct identity. When Universal Music Group acquired MCA Records, Geffen became part of UMG's portfolio. The label has continued its legacy of signing successful rock and pop artists while adapting to changing music industry dynamics.
About Universal Music Group
What does Universal Music Group own?
Universal Music Group owns a portfolio of record labels including Republic Records, Interscope Records, Capitol Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, Island Records, Motown Records, Geffen Records, Virgin Music, Polydor Records, and Decca Records, among many others. The company also owns Universal Music Publishing Group, one of the world's largest music publishers, and Bravado, an artist merchandising business.
Is Universal Music Group publicly traded?
Yes, Universal Music Group N.V. is listed on Euronext Amsterdam under ticker UMG. The company was spun off from Vivendi and listed in September 2021. Major shareholders include Tencent Holdings (approximately 20%), Pershing Square Holdings (approximately 10%), and Vivendi (a reduced stake). The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders.
Who founded Universal Music Group?
Universal Music Group in its current form was created through the 1998 merger of Universal Music Group (owned by Seagram) and PolyGram (owned by Philips). The predecessor companies trace their origins to Decca Records (1929), MCA Music (1962), and PolyGram (formed in the 1960s and 1970s). Vivendi acquired UMG through its 2000 acquisition of Seagram and retained ownership until the 2021 Euronext listing.
Where is Universal Music Group headquartered?
Universal Music Group is headquartered in Hilversum, Netherlands, as its registered corporate headquarters, with major operational headquarters in Santa Monica, California, USA. The company also has significant operations in London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, and other major music markets worldwide.
How many record labels does Universal Music Group own?
Universal Music Group owns dozens of record labels across all genres of music. The major labels include Republic Records, Interscope Records, Capitol Music Group, Def Jam Recordings, Island Records, Motown Records, Geffen Records, Virgin Music, Polydor Records, and Decca Records. Each major label typically operates several sub-labels and imprints. UMG also provides distribution services to independent labels through its distribution network.
Who owns Universal Music Group?
Universal Music Group N.V. is publicly traded on Euronext Amsterdam. Major shareholders include Tencent Holdings (approximately 20%), Pershing Square Holdings (approximately 10%), and Vivendi (a reduced stake following the 2021 spin-off). Lucian Grainge serves as Chairman and CEO. The remaining shares are held by institutional investors and public shareholders worldwide.
- Founded: 1934
- Headquarters: Hilversum, Netherlands / Santa Monica, California, USA
- Company Type: Publicly Traded
- Stock: Euronext Amsterdam: UMG
Where Is Geffen Records Made / Based?
- Headquarters: Santa Monica, California, USA
- Manufacturing / Operations: United States, Europe, Asia
Brands Owned by Universal Music Group
- Capitol Music Group - American record label umbrella founded in 1942, now owned by Universal Music Gro...
- Cash Money Records - Influential Southern hip-hop record label owned by Universal Music Group, founde...
- Decca Records - Historic British record label founded in 1929, now owned by Universal Music Grou...
- Def Jam Recordings - American hip-hop record label founded in 1984 by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons,...
- Interscope Records - American record label founded in 1989, now owned by Universal Music Group, speci...
- Island Records - Historic British record label founded in 1959 by Chris Blackwell, now owned by U...
- Mercury Records - American record label founded in 1945, now owned by Universal Music Group, speci...
- Motown Records - Historic American record label founded in 1958 by Berry Gordy Jr., now owned by ...
- Polydor Records - German record label founded in 1924, now owned by Universal Music Group, operati...
- Republic Records - American record label founded in 1995 by Monte and Avery Lipman, now owned by Un...
- Verve Records - American jazz record label founded in 1956, now owned by Universal Music Group, ...
- Virgin Music - Historic British record label founded in 1972 by Richard Branson, now owned by U...
Geffen Records Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Historic brand recognition and reputation for artistic excellence
- +Backed by Universal Music Group's global resources and distribution
- +Strong presence in rock and pop music markets
- +Creative autonomy within UMG's corporate structure
- +Proven track record of commercial success with major artists
Considerations
- -Competition from independent labels and artist-owned platforms
- -Digital disruption affecting traditional music business models
- -Need to maintain cultural relevance with changing music trends
- -Dependence on hit-driven success and artist relationships
- -Pressure to balance commercial success with artistic development
Frequently Asked Questions About Geffen Records
Competitors to Geffen Records
These competing brands operate in the same categories and provide similar products or services. Compare key attributes to understand market positioning and competitive landscape.
| Brand | Parent Company | Country | Founded | Market Position | Primary Market | Gender Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warner Music Group | USA | 1971 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Sony Music Entertainment | USA | 1887 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Warner Music Group | USA | 1955 | Mass Market | North America | All Genders | |
| Sony Music Entertainment | USA | 1953 | Mass Market | North America | Male | |
| Warner Music Group | United Kingdom | 1926 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders | |
| Warner Music Group | United Kingdom | 1896 | Mass Market | Global | All Genders |
Learn More About Competitors

Asylum Records
Owned by Warner Music Group
American record label founded in 1971 by David Geffen, now owned by Warner Music Group, specializing in rock and pop music.

Columbia Records
Owned by Sony Music Entertainment
Historic American record label founded in 1887, now owned by Sony Music Entertainment, specializing in mainstream pop, rock, and diverse music genres.

East West Records
Owned by Warner Music Group
American record label founded in 1955, now owned by Warner Music Group, specializing in diverse music genres including rock, pop, and alternative.

Epic Records
Owned by Sony Music Entertainment
American record label founded in 1953, now owned by Sony Music Entertainment, specializing in pop, rock, and contemporary music.

London Records
Owned by Warner Music Group
British record label founded in 1926, now owned by Warner Music Group, specializing in diverse music genres with strong international operations.

Parlophone Records
Owned by Warner Music Group
British record label founded in 1896, now owned by Warner Music Group, specializing in rock, pop, and diverse music genres with strong European operations.
Competitive Analysis
Market Positioning: Geffen Records competes with 6 brands in the same categories, ranging from mass market to luxury positioning.
Geographic Distribution: Competitors are headquartered across multiple regions, indicating global competition in this market segment.
Brand Heritage: Competitor brands range from established heritage brands to newer market entrants, with founding years spanning several decades.
Universal Music Group Stock Information
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