MAM
DAVP issues new rates for TV channels
NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity has decided to issue new ad rates for 200 private cable and satellite channels which have become effective from 1 June while continuing “for the time being” the existing rate of FM radio.
The new rates have come following the announcement of the new rate determination formula by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
DAVP has also provisionally extended the empanelment of all C&S TV channels currently empanelled with it till 31 August. There are six time bands in the revised rates.
Meanwhile, DAVP has decided to extend till 31 August or the date of completion of the fresh empanelment process of television and FM radio channels.
In an advisory issued on 30 May, DAVP noted that it had commenced the process of empanelment in 24 May but had not been able to complete it by 31 May as announced earlier. DAVP empanelment is done for a period of three years.
The listed 200 channels (which can be seen on www.davp.nic.in) may also apply for their empanelment with DAVP for the year 2012-15 using the Online Application Form available on the DAVP website.
All the channels that are currently empanelled with DAVP have to give their acceptance to the revised rates by 15 June 2012.
Earlier, the Ministry had put on its website the content of the radio, television and print advertisements of the Bharat Nirman ads.
Empanelled channels are under contractual obligation to telecast DAVP or AA (Authorised Agency) advertisements and face suspension for a year if they drop Government spots.
Out of the total annual budget allocation for television, 40 per cent is exclusively earmarked for regional channels.
Brands
Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in $11.75 billion deal at $14 per share
Acquisition to create $12.4 billion pharma giant with global scale and biosimilars push
MUMBAI: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, marking one of the largest cross-border pharma acquisitions by an Indian firm.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon shareholders will receive $14.00 per share in cash, with Sun Pharma set to acquire 100 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
The deal significantly expands Sun Pharma’s global footprint and strengthens its position across women’s health, biosimilars, and branded generics. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues of around $12.4 billion, placing it among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies globally.
Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, brings a portfolio of over 70 products spanning women’s health and general medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries. Its established presence in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China complements Sun Pharma’s existing strengths and growth ambitions.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited executive chairman Dilip Shanghvi said, “This transaction represents a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to build on its vision of reaching people and touching lives. Organon’s portfolio, capabilities and global reach are highly complementary to our own.”
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited managing director Kirti Ganorkar added, “This transaction is a logical next step in strengthening Sun Pharma’s global business. Together, we will become a partner of choice for acquiring and launching new products.”
From Organon’s side, Organon & Co. executive chair Carrie Cox noted, “This all-cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders, while positioning the business for continued growth under Sun Pharma.”
Strategically, the acquisition gives Sun Pharma entry into the global biosimilars space as a top 10 player and strengthens its innovative medicines portfolio, which is expected to contribute around 27 per cent of combined revenues. The deal is also expected to nearly double EBITDA and cash flow, supporting long-term deleveraging and investment capacity.
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and committed financing from global banks, while maintaining focus on disciplined integration and operational continuity post-merger.
If completed as planned, the deal signals a clear shift in India’s pharmaceutical ambitions, from scale at home to leadership on the global stage, with Sun Pharma positioning itself as a more diversified and innovation-led healthcare powerhouse.
