MAM
Future lies in internet and wireless: Time Warner’s Parsons
MUMBAI: Global media giants have suddenly got serious about internet. The mood is reflected in the recent buys News Corp and Viacom have done, gobbling up internet assets like mySpace.com, propertyfinder.com, Neopets and iFilm at valuations that have surprised many.
Drawing inspiration from its rivals’ aggressive internet strategies, Time Warner’s chairman-CEO Richard Parsons refuses to jettison his plans on the internet and wireless front. Irrespective of the fact that Time Warner burnt its fingers with its 2001 merger with America Online Limited (AOL), Parsons feels the convergence of traditional media and the Internet is inevitable with online advertising holding an “exciting potential”.
“We are the only media company with a major stake in the Internet”, Parsons said during an interview with New Yorker media columnist Ken Auletta. However, he acknowledged the ongoing talks with competitors to sell off a stake in AOL. According to Parsons, Microsoft, Yahoo and a partnership of Google and Comcast have expressed interest in buying or partnering with AOL in recent weeks.
Parsons expressed Time Warner’s interest in retaining some control over the division even if a deal goes through. “We want to help our other companies to take advantage of the Internet and it would be easier if we retained part of AOL after a deal goes through,” he said during the interview.
When queried by Auletta about areas where Time Warner was not active presently, Parsons singled out Wireless and gaming. “Games online and computer games are becoming a huge, huge business, with young males aging 18 to 35.”
Parsons hinted at Time Warner’s plans to attempt some acquisitions or deals on the wireless front. The company has already made its foray into wireless as it joined Comcast, Cox and Brighthouse in a wireless-cable venture with Sprint Nextel to develop a way for consumers to watch cable TV through their cell phone
Brands
Yaap Digital acquires 60.2 per cent stake in Gozoop in over Rs 150 crore deal
Strategic tie-up keeps Gozoop independent while building scaled ad ecosystem
MUMBAI: Yaap Digital Ltd has acquired a 60.20 per cent stake in Gozoop Online Pvt Ltd, marking a significant consolidation move in India’s independent advertising landscape.
The acquisition, executed through a share purchase cum shareholders’ agreement, forms the first tranche of a broader deal to acquire 100 per cent of Gozoop in phases. The initial stake was picked up for Rs 36.96 crore, giving Yaap majority control and making Gozoop its subsidiary.
Overall, the transaction is valued at over Rs 150 crore, with additional components including a Rs 7.66 crore share swap expected to close within 90 days. Payments related to excess net working capital are slated for completion by July 2026.
Despite the ownership change, Gozoop will continue to operate as an independent brand, retaining its leadership, identity and culture. The focus, both companies say, is on collaboration rather than consolidation.
Founded nearly two decades ago, Gozoop has built a reputation for its people-first approach and long-tenured leadership team, a rarity in an industry often shaped by global network buyouts. Yaap, on the other hand, brings scale and a tech-led marketing ecosystem spanning content, data and performance solutions.
Together, the companies aim to create an integrated network that blends creativity, media, data and technology, offering clients both agility and scale. The partnership also signals a broader ambition to position Indian agencies as global contenders rather than local participants.
With the deal underway in phases, the coming months will be key in shaping how this alliance translates into a unified yet flexible advertising powerhouse.
