iWorld
Panorama studios international and PVR pictures collaborate to distribute films in india
MUMBAI: Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak’s Panorama Studios Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of Panorama Studios International Limited (formerly known as Apunka Invest Commercial Limited), engaged in production and distribution of films joins hands with PVR Pictures Limited, the film arm of PVR Limited, India’s largest cinema chain, to distribute films pan India.
At the onset the companies together will distribute Panorama Studios upcoming film slate starting with “Batla House”, followed by “Section 375” and “Khuda Hafiz”, all slated for FY 2019-20 release.
Panorama Studios is a diversified film studio with presence in Production & Distribution. Over the years, Panorama Studios has produced a variety of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films like Omkara, Special 26, Drishyam, Singham, Raid and Pyaar Ka Punchnama franchise and distributed more than 500 films including major Box Office successes like Son of Sardaar, Rustom, Dabangg, Gabbar is back, Dark Knight Rises, Fast and furious 6 and many more.
On the collaboration, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Managing Director, Panorama Studios International Limited said, “We are extremely pleased to associate with PVR Pictures and looking forward to a long term relationship. PVR has regularly set new milestones in film business; for both of us, this is a huge opportunity to learn from each other and contribute to each other’s success”. Abhishek Pathak, Director, Panorama Studios International Limited added, “We at Panorama Studios with our films have always thrived to delight audiences with content-rich films. PVR Pictures shares the same passion which has lead to this association bringing audiences closer to great cinematic experience !”
PVR Pictures is the motion picture arm of PVR Limited, the largest cinema exhibition company in the country, with 781 screens spread over 67 Indian cities. PVR Pictures is the largest studio for the distribution of Independent Hollywood films in India. PVR Pictures is a prolific distributor of Indian films as well. Over 500+ Hollywood, 200+ Hindi and 100+ regional films across genres have been released under its banner since 2002.
Commenting on the partnership, Kamal Gianchandani, CEO, PVR Pictures Limited said, “Kumar Mangat Pathak and Abhishek Pathak’s Panorama Studios has raised the bar for the film industry by creating high quality content in multiple languages. Kumar ji has an enormous amount of experience in the business &, he has achieved both acclaim & commercial success over a long and sustained period, a tough act in the film business. We are delighted to join Kumar ji and Abhishek on this journey.”
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.
