iWorld
Amazon Prime Music to add Tips Music to its ever-expanding ad-free selection
Amazon today announced the launch of Tips Music, adding more than 25,000 chart-topping tracks to a vast catalog of millions of Indian and international songs on Amazon Prime Music. Soon to be launched as a Prime benefit at no additional cost, Amazon Prime Music will also include the latest releases from Tips Music on its ad-free streaming service.
“With the addition of Tips Music’s catalogue of 25,000 hit songs to our selection of music, Amazon Prime Music customers in India will soon be able to enjoy the super hit 90s Bollywood melodies, taking them down memory lane. Customers will also have an easy discovery of one of the largest collection of Indian devotional music across songs by deities, playlists for the morning prayers or just enjoy uninterrupted chants stations to get through the day, all ad-free on the Amazon Prime Music app” said Sahas Malhotra, Director, Amazon Music, India.
“Tips Music is one of India’s leading music labels and has a catalog that has some of the biggest hits from the 90s’ up to today. A catalog that boasts of super hits like Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, Race, Ramaiya Vastavaiya, Kismat Konnection, Barsaat, Taal, Mann, Pardes, Raaz, Raja Hindustani and more. Tips Music has a catalog that covers an era where melodies ruled the Indian music industry. The label has a host of releases lined up and will be available on Amazon Prime Music,” said Kumar Taurani, MD, Tips Music.
Amazon Prime already offers unlimited free One-day and Two-day delivery for over 11 million products online to over 100 cities, 30 minutes early access for members on top deals and more benefits for an unparalleled shopping experience and instant access to latest movies and TV shows. Customers who are not already Prime members can learn more about the program at www.amazon.in/prime
iWorld
Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square makes $64 billion bid to acquire Universal Music Group
Ackman pitches NYSE relisting plan as UMG board weighs unsolicited offer
The hedge fund has proposed a business combination that values UMG at €30.40 per share, representing a hefty 78 per cent premium to its current trading price. The offer includes €9.4 billion in cash alongside stock in a newly formed entity, with shareholders set to receive €5.05 per share in cash and 0.77 shares in the new company for each UMG share they hold.
Under the proposal, UMG would merge with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings Ltd and re-emerge as a Nevada-based entity listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The move is designed to boost investor visibility and potentially secure inclusion in major indices such as the S&P 500.
Pershing Square Capital Management ceo Bill Ackman argued that while UMG’s operational performance remains strong, its market valuation has lagged due to external factors. “UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business,” Ackman said, pointing to concerns ranging from shareholder overhang to delayed US listing plans.
Ackman also flagged what he sees as untapped potential in UMG’s balance sheet and a lack of clear capital allocation strategy. He added that the market has not fully recognised the value of UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify, alongside gaps in investor communication.
The proposed transaction would also result in the cancellation of around 17 per cent of UMG’s outstanding shares, while maintaining its investment-grade balance sheet. Pershing Square has said it will fully backstop the equity financing, with debt commitments secured at signing. The deal is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
UMG, however, has struck a measured tone. The company confirmed that its board has received the non-binding proposal and will review it with advisers. It reiterated confidence in its current strategy and leadership under Lucian Grainge, signalling no immediate shift in stance.
The proposal comes at a time when global music companies are navigating evolving investor expectations, streaming economics and capital allocation pressures. For Pershing Square, the bet is clear: sharpen the financial story, relist in the US, and let the music play louder in the markets.
Whether UMG’s board is ready to change the tune remains to be seen, but the spotlight on its valuation just got a lot brighter.
