iWorld
Amazon Prime brings Fugay & Autograph on Gudi Padwa
MUMBAI: The festival of Gudi Padwa brings families and loved ones together to ring in the New Year and celebrate new beginnings. This year, Amazon Prime Video gives audiences another reason to celebrate by bringing together some of the best and biggest Marathi blockbusters on its platform. Just weeks after its theatrical release, catch the world premiere (before television) of Fugay starring Swwapnil Joshi and Subodh Bhave exclusively on Amazon Prime Video; and later in June 2017, Prime members can watch the popular movie Autograph with Ankkush Chaudhari and Amruta Khanvilkar in lead roles.
Fugay is a story that revolves around two inseparable childhood best friends Swwapnil Joshi and Subodh Bhave. Swwapnil gets engaged to Prarthana Behere who is extremely possessive about him and also doesn’t approve of the bond between Swwapnil and Subodh. Assuming they won’t get to enjoy the same fun, they both decide to go for one last bachelor party to Goa. In Goa, they have a lot of fun but also make a mistake that leads to hilarious fun. What happens when they come back and how both Swwapnil and Subodh have to explain themselves, go back to clarify and prove their innocence is what makes the movie full of fun and laughter. Starring Swapnil Joshi, Subodh Bhave and Prarthana Behere in leading roles, this complete family entertainer sees the mayhem their unusual friendship creates. Directed by, Swapna Waghmare Joshi, this hilarious family drama can be seen exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Also, actor-director Nishikant Kamat will be seen as a villain in Fugay. He has directed ‘Dombivali Fast’ and ‘Lai Bhari’ earlier and debuts as an actor with this film.
Upcoming Marathi film, Autograph, stars Ankush Chaudhari, Satish Rajwade, Amruta Khanvilkar and Manasi Moghe. Produced under the STV Networks banner, the film is set to release later this year. Watch the Marathi blockbuster produced by Inder Raj Kapoor exclusively on Amazon Prime Video this June 2017.
Amazon Prime Video claims to have the largest selection of latest and exclusive movies and TV shows, ad-free across Indian and Hollywood movies, US TV shows, top/popular Indian and international kids’ shows, award winning Amazon Original shows along with content from top Bollywood, regional, Indian and international studios – all available in one location/service.
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.
