MAM
Leena Jaisani passes away, leaving a lasting legacy in media
Veteran policy architect and FICCI leader dies after cardiac arrest in Delhi
NEW DELHI: Leena Jaisani, deputy secretary general and head of media and entertainment at FICCI, has passed away following a cardiac arrest on Sunday evening. She had been hospitalised for several days and was on ventilator support prior to her demise. She was widely regarded as one of the quiet architects behind India’s modern media and entertainment policy ecosystem.
Jaisani’s career at FICCI spanned more than three decades, during which she helped shape policy advocacy, industry dialogue and global partnerships for the sector. From steering flagship platforms like FICCI Frames to pushing for industry status for Indian cinema and enabling the Film Facilitation Office, her imprint ran deep across policy and practice alike.
Colleagues and industry stakeholders remembered her as both rigorous and warm, a rare combination in policy circles. “She was a pillar of strength for the M&E industry. Her contribution is immense and long lasting. She will always be remembered for being a thorough professional and solution oriented person,” said an industry colleague. Another added, “This is so sad and shocking… forever grateful for her sincere and consistent efforts to support us all as an industry.”
Beyond conferences and committees, Jaisani played a central role in building bridges between India and global markets. She helped drive audio visual co-production treaties with multiple countries and fostered ties with international platforms such as MIPCOM and the Rome Film Festival. Her work also extended to intellectual property, retail, FMCG and digital commerce within FICCI’s wide ambit.
An alumna of Delhi University, she also served on the board of the Media and Entertainment Skills Council, contributing to talent development and skilling in the industry. Those who worked closely with her recall her ability to translate complex policy into practical outcomes, often with understated efficiency.
Her passing leaves a significant void at a time when India’s media and entertainment sector is expanding rapidly and seeking clearer regulatory direction. For many in the industry, Jaisani was both a steady hand and a trusted voice. Her absence will be felt not just in boardrooms and policy papers, but across the ecosystem she helped build.
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Sun Pharma to acquire Organon in $11.75 billion deal at $14 per share
Acquisition to create $12.4 billion pharma giant with global scale and biosimilars push
MUMBAI: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Organon & Co. in an all-cash deal valued at $11.75 billion, marking one of the largest cross-border pharma acquisitions by an Indian firm.
Under the terms of the agreement, Organon shareholders will receive $14.00 per share in cash, with Sun Pharma set to acquire 100 per cent of the company’s outstanding shares. The transaction, approved by the boards of both companies, is expected to close in early 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
The deal significantly expands Sun Pharma’s global footprint and strengthens its position across women’s health, biosimilars, and branded generics. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues of around $12.4 billion, placing it among the top 25 pharmaceutical companies globally.
Organon, which was spun off from Merck in 2021, brings a portfolio of over 70 products spanning women’s health and general medicines, with operations across more than 140 countries. Its established presence in key markets such as the US, Europe, and China complements Sun Pharma’s existing strengths and growth ambitions.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited executive chairman Dilip Shanghvi said, “This transaction represents a significant opportunity for Sun Pharma to build on its vision of reaching people and touching lives. Organon’s portfolio, capabilities and global reach are highly complementary to our own.”
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited managing director Kirti Ganorkar added, “This transaction is a logical next step in strengthening Sun Pharma’s global business. Together, we will become a partner of choice for acquiring and launching new products.”
From Organon’s side, Organon & Co. executive chair Carrie Cox noted, “This all-cash transaction offers compelling and immediate value to Organon stockholders, while positioning the business for continued growth under Sun Pharma.”
Strategically, the acquisition gives Sun Pharma entry into the global biosimilars space as a top 10 player and strengthens its innovative medicines portfolio, which is expected to contribute around 27 per cent of combined revenues. The deal is also expected to nearly double EBITDA and cash flow, supporting long-term deleveraging and investment capacity.
Sun Pharma plans to fund the acquisition through a mix of internal accruals and committed financing from global banks, while maintaining focus on disciplined integration and operational continuity post-merger.
If completed as planned, the deal signals a clear shift in India’s pharmaceutical ambitions, from scale at home to leadership on the global stage, with Sun Pharma positioning itself as a more diversified and innovation-led healthcare powerhouse.
