iWorld
BigRock and Neustar tie up with TVF to promote the .biz extension
MUMBAI: BigRock in association with Neustar, operator of the global registry for .biz and .co has tied up with The Viral Fever (TVF) for their first ever video content partnership. With their association, BigRock and Neustar, will address the market jointly through the campaign, highlighting the benefits of getting online with .biz domains in India. The campaign titled “Naam Mein kya Rakha Hain” (What’s in a Name?) will be streamed through TVF’s sister channel, The Screen Patti (TSP).
India’s push towards digitization has transformed the business and the consumer landscape in India. As consumers are moving online, the need of the hour for small businesses and entrepreneurs is to rapidly migrate to online mediums for both convenience and growth. According to a recent Google-KPMG study, digitally-engaged businesses are able to grow their customer base significantly with 52 per cent catering to customers beyond their home city versus only 29 per cent offline. In order to stay relevant, businesses will need to carve out an online presence and bring in fresh set of potential customers. The association between BigRock and Neustar aims to enhance and stimulate the demand for .biz domains by encouraging Indian entrepreneurs and small businesses to adopt the domain and get online in a seamless and quick manner with BigRock’s Website Builder.
“India as a country is experiencing rapid internet penetration and businesses everyday are realising the importance of having an online presence. We have also witnessed an upsurge in the .biz domain as a globally accepted TLD. Through our partnership with Neustar and TVF, we are excited to promote the highlights and benefits of getting online with a .biz domain to expand their brand presence.” said Shashank Mehrotra, Managing Director, APAC at Endurance International Group (EIG). “TVF has been enthralling its audience with unique and compelling web content and brand partnerships since its inception. As we understand the importance of content, we aim to achieve great success in effectively engaging with Indian businesses and SMBs through the sketch.”
The sketch conceptualized and created by TSP, addresses the common dilemmas faced by professionals who wish to expand their customer base. It will be promoted on all digital platforms of BigRock and The Screen Patti.
The Viral Fever head of brand partnerships Vijay Koshy said, “Slowly but steadily Digital is impacting all of us whether how we shop, travel, entertain, transact etc and the next big wave of adoption is going to come from the SME / Trader community. BigRock wants to talk to that community and be the stepping stone to that successful transition and have engaged with The Screenpatti (TSP) from the TVF network to tell some delightful and relatable stories with ‘Naam mein kya rakha hai.”
BigRock has previously created ad films like Rachel’s Yoga, Satya Lie Detector and Vicky’s Make up studio, which emphasized on the importance of a .biz domain for budding entrepreneurs, while taking on a humorous tone to appeal to wider audiences.
BigRock will be giving out a .biz domain at a discounted rate of Rs. 249 along with 50 per cent off on a 5 page website builder package (both for the first year).
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.
