iWorld
Mumbai hosts the 8th edition of TEDxgateway, riveting talks by 25 remarkable speakers
TEDxGateway is back with its 8th edition at the DOME @ NSCI in Mumbai. Taking forward the theme of ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’, TEDxGateway will bring 25 motivational speakers from different walks of life will share their inspiring experiences and stories on varied topics ranging from science, inventions to creative art forms.
This year promises to be bigger and larger with TEDxGateway expecting to draw more than 5000 attendees at Dome @ NSCI. In addition, the main event will also be webcasted across 50 campuses in India, targeting over 150,000+ viewers.
This year’s TEDxGateway features an eclectic mix of speakers from diverse backgrounds including a microbial explorer, discoverer of fungal species who is currently researching on understanding how ‘wild’ microorganisms can produce improved food and beverages, a 14 year old who invented a bandage with the ability of assessing the need to change it, preventing the chances of further damage saving countless lives, the inventor and builder of a personal flight system and jet suit, creator of YOLO (You Only Look Once) system, the developer of a breakthrough technology to signal the presence of cancer, a child & adolescent psychologist and family therapist, a TB survivor and public health professional, a cybersecurity expert with domain knowledge of smart devices, the developer of wearable sensor to detect a sexual assault, the inventor of communication devices for children with disabilities, and Guinness World Record holders aka the Everest Twins, amongst various others.
From the Government quarters, Shri Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore honored with Padma Shri and an Olympic Silver Medal in double trap shooting, and currently Minister of State, Youth and Sports will also be part of this year’s lineup of speakers.
The event will also see a grand performance by Ricky Kej, the youngest Indian Grammy Award music composer known for his Indo-American styled environmentally conscious music perform at the event.
To support the TEDxGateway vision, leading corporate powerhouses are supporting the event this year. Some notable names include Aditya Birla Group, Infosys, JSW, and Rustomjee.
Speaking on its association with the platform, Percy S. Chowdhry, CEO, Rustomjee, said, “We are delighted to continue our long standing association with the 8th Edition of TEDxGateway. Over the last five years, the TEDxGateway has emerged as one of Asia’s largest event platforms attracting inspirational speakers who are game changers in their respective domains having taken the road less travelled.
At Rustomjee, we believe passionately that inspiring ideas have the power to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. As one of Mumbai’s largest and most trusted developer, Rustomjee takes pride in making thoughtful spaces available to people and families. Spaces inside and outside homes that help them find who they truly are, help them rediscover lost passions, old friends, spend quality time with their loved ones and much more. We are looking forward to the talks that will emerge for TEXxGateway 2018 – ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’.”
Commenting on TEDxGateway 2018, Yashraj Akashi, Senior Ambassador and Curator, TEDx Gateway in India said, “With every year, TEDxGateway is growing to become a bigger platform for inspirational people to share their path-breaking ideas and worldly experiences with the Indian audience. Built on the premise of stimulating minds, leading to interactive discussions and constructive conversations, TEDx now has a place in the Indian market where it drives thought-leadership to the learning-oriented, knowledge seeking audience. This year too, we aim to bring inspirational speakers to share their inspirational talks to a high-spirited crowd.”
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.
