iWorld
OoyalaREACH, Powered By 24i, Simplifies And Accelerates OTT Content Delivery
MUMBAI: Ooyala, a leader in media production, distribution and monetization solutions, is partnering with 24i, the leading Internet TV app developer for the world’s top media companies, to launch OoyalaREACH, an integrated and highly configurable OTT content preparation and delivery solution. Media owners can leverage OoyalaREACH to create, manage and deploy premium OTT experiences across multiple platforms seamlessly, expanding the audiences for their content and driving more revenue.
Powered by 24i's SmartOTT and Backstage solution, which features templated front-end apps and middleware, OoyalaREACH plugs in to the Ooyala Flex Media Platform and other Ooyala solutions so media owners can have a well connected content supply chain, from start to finish. With complete flexibility in the configuration and branding of the front-end apps, high quality and unique app experiences can now be created and deployed quickly across a wide array of platforms like iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Smart TVs and more.
This modular and integrated solution also offers ready access to analytics, advertising, and eCommerce solutions, so media owners can manage, publish and monetize their OTT experiences easily, with insights into viewing trends.
“Time to market is key in today’s high pressure media world,” said Jonathan Huberman, CEO, Ooyala. “OoyalaREACH, powered by 24i, is a robust yet flexible solution that will shorten the time to market for any media owner keen to launch their content across multiple platforms.”
“We want to enable media owners worldwide to delight their viewers, subscribers and fans with immersive experiences across all devices,” said Martijn van Horssen, CEO and Co-founder, 24i. “Teaming up with partners like Ooyala is key to our success in delivering on this goal and we’re very excited to partner with Ooyala and to power their complete templated applications OTT Solution, OoyalaREACH.“
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.
