iWorld
Eros Now and PVR Cinemas present – ‘Return of Blockbusters’ Film Festival
MUMBAI: PVR Cinemas, in association with Eros Now has brought back the best of Bollywood and Regional movies on the big screen by commencing the ‘Return of Blockbusters’ that commemorates the epic spirit of cinema. The entertainment gala is all set to begin from 24 till 30 of November at select PVR theatres pan India.
The fiesta will not only include an array of super hit Bollywood and Regional films from the Eros repertoire being showcased at their respective regions; it also offers the enthralling opportunity to buy tickets at the price of one for two.
“Content is the king for theatres” speaking about the festival, PVR Cinemas CEO Gautam Dutta said, “We always strive to provide the best content to our patrons. It is the goal of the festival to bring back allfond memories attached to some of the biggest flicks from the past. . We hope that our consumers across nation thoroughly enjoy the exclusive cherry-picked movies and feel connected once again.”
Commenting on the association, Eros Digital CEO Rishika Lulla Singh said, “We are happy to present to audiences some of their favourite movies from Eros Now’s vast catalogue once again on the big screen.”
The movies, which are planned to be screened for this festival include Rockstar, Bajirao Mastani, Tanu Weds Manu Returns to name a few along with super hit regional movies such as , Posto, Bela Seshe, etc at select PVR theatres across Delhi, Mumbai , Kolkata, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Ranchi and other selected cities.
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.
