Universal Music Group's official company page says it owns and operates a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising, and audiovisual content in more than 60 territories. The company describes itself as the world leader in music-based entertainment.

UMG's official publishing materials describe Universal Music Publishing Group as its global publishing division representing a broad catalog of songs across genres. Together, these official materials show a business built around artist and songwriter development, recorded music, publishing administration, merchandising, and related licensing and brand opportunities.