GECs
Zee-Sony merger gets nod from stock exchanges
Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises (Zeel) on Friday received approval from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE) for its proposed merger with Culver Max Entertainment (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India).
“The approval from the stock exchanges marks a firm and positive step in the overall merger approval process,” said the company statement. The approvals permit the Zee to proceed with the next steps in the overall merger process.
The composite scheme of arrangement remains subject to applicable regulatory and other approvals.
The Zee-Sony merged entity will be one of the largest media and entertainment players in India with close to $2 billion in revenue. Zeel MD and CEO Punit Goenka will serve as the managing director and chief executive officer of the merged entity over the next five years.
After the closing, Sony Pictures Entertainment, which owns Culver Max Entertainment, will indirectly hold a majority of 50.86 per cent of the combined company, the promoters of Zeel will hold 3.99 per cent, and the remaining Zeel shareholders will hold a 45.15 per cent stake.
It has been seven months since the two companies announced their intention to merge by signing definitive agreements.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
