iWorld
Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s latest ‘Yeh Zindagi’ available exclusively on Idea Music
MUMBAI: Idea Music, the one-stop entertainment destination for all music lovers, from one of the leading telecom operators, Idea Cellular, has come out with a musical bonanza for all its listeners.
Idea Music has got exclusive rights to release, the latest sensational song ‘Ye Zindagi’ sung by none other than the legendary award winning Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on its platform. The song will initially be available only on Idea Music and no other music streaming platform in India, starting 16th February; courtesy- Trendy Beat Records. Continuing with the string of hits by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, this love ballad ‘Ye Zindagi’ will truly strike a chord with the listeners.
Moreover, talking about regional hits, Idea Music has also added the latest internet sensation, Priya Prakash Varrier’s viral hit song ‘Manikya Malaraya Poovi’ from the upcoming Malyalam movie Oru Adaar Love by Muzik 247. The song is with “Sing Along lyrics” on the app, so listeners can now sing the song with ease. The song which depicts the eventual state of being in love, will surely remind the listeners of their first love and take them down the memory lane.
The song is sung by the versatile singer Vineeth Sreenivasan, actor and playback singer of Entammede Jimikki Kammal fame while the music is revisited by Shaan Rahman. Idea Music is home to millions of regional hit songs across 14 languages, apart from Bollywood and International music.
Idea Music is a destination for customers to entertain and refresh themselves with an extensive library of more than 3.5 million songs across all genres, moods and occasions. The app allows users to create their own playlists, set musical alarms, experience the DJ effect, and sing along features. Idea is currently offering free subscription of Idea Music app to all Idea 4G/3G customers. With over 5 million downloads Idea Music app ranks amongst top music/entertainment apps on Playstore and is also available on iOS.
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.
