GECs
Balaji, Nine Network announce merger off
Confirming what was already known in trade circles, the board of directors of Balaji Telefilms Ltd and Nine Network Entertainment India Private Ltd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of HFCL Nine Broadcasting), in their respective board meetings held today, announced they have decided not to proceed with the merger of the two companies.
Both Balaji Telefilms and Nine Network feel it is in their respective commercial interests not to proceed with the merger at this stage as the synergies that were anticipated to arise from the proposed merger are no longer seen to exist, a press release issued jointly said.
HFCL Nine Broadcasting India Ltd wishes to focus for the time being on its existing broadcasting activities rather than the acquisition of interests in content production companies, a company release said.
Both Balaji and HFCL Nine look forward to continuing their existing relationships, the release concludes.
As per the deal announced last November between the two parties, Balaji Telefilms was to acquire Nine Entertainment India for Rs 340 million under a swap ratio where 65 shares of Balaji would be swapped for 200 shares of HFCL Nine. Post-acquisition, HFCL Nine was to hold 20 per cent equity in Balaji Telefilms.
Balaji-HFCL Nine merger off?
Balaji board to meet on merger with HFCL Nine tomorrow
GECs
Pocket FM partners with Indian Open Pickleball 2026
Audio platform joins forces with major tournament to engage young fans.
MUMBAI: Pocket FM just served up a perfect partnership because when audio storytelling meets pickleball’s fast-paced rallies, even the sidelines start listening. Pocket FM, the world’s largest audio series platform, has announced a strategic partnership with Indian Open 2026, one of India’s biggest pickleball tournaments organised by Global Sports in Hyderabad in association with Pickl’Out and Crosscourts Sports Club.
The collaboration brings Pocket FM’s immersive storytelling to one of the fastest-growing emerging sports in India. Pickleball, known for its accessibility, energy and strong community appeal, is rapidly attracting younger, digitally savvy audiences making it an ideal platform for Pocket FM to deepen its cultural relevance.
Under the partnership, Pocket FM will enjoy extensive on-ground and digital visibility throughout the tournament, which begins on 1 April 2026. This includes centre court branding, venue-wide presence, presenting rights for select matches, player lounge branding, team jersey integration, and strong integration across live streaming and social media.
Pocket FM, SVP and global head for brand marketing and partnerships Vineet Singh said, “Pickleball is building a strong connection with young and engaged audiences in India. This partnership allows us to connect with people in a meaningful way through strong on-ground presence and digital visibility.”
Global Sports and Indian Open 2026, founder Hemal Jain added, “Partnering with Pocket FM adds an exciting new dimension to the experience. As a brand that has built deep resonance with young audiences, Pocket FM is a strong fit for the energy and ambition of this tournament.”
The move reflects Pocket FM’s continued strategy of aligning with emerging passion points and building deeper engagement with communities driven by competition and shared experiences.
In a country where sports and stories often collide, Pocket FM isn’t just sponsoring a tournament, it’s turning every rally into a narrative, proving that the best audio moments sometimes happen when the paddle meets the ball.
