GECs
Balaji, Nine Network announce merger off
Confirming what was already known in trade circles, the board of directors of Balaji Telefilms Ltd and Nine Network Entertainment India Private Ltd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of HFCL Nine Broadcasting), in their respective board meetings held today, announced they have decided not to proceed with the merger of the two companies.
Both Balaji Telefilms and Nine Network feel it is in their respective commercial interests not to proceed with the merger at this stage as the synergies that were anticipated to arise from the proposed merger are no longer seen to exist, a press release issued jointly said.
HFCL Nine Broadcasting India Ltd wishes to focus for the time being on its existing broadcasting activities rather than the acquisition of interests in content production companies, a company release said.
Both Balaji and HFCL Nine look forward to continuing their existing relationships, the release concludes.
As per the deal announced last November between the two parties, Balaji Telefilms was to acquire Nine Entertainment India for Rs 340 million under a swap ratio where 65 shares of Balaji would be swapped for 200 shares of HFCL Nine. Post-acquisition, HFCL Nine was to hold 20 per cent equity in Balaji Telefilms.
Balaji-HFCL Nine merger off?
Balaji board to meet on merger with HFCL Nine tomorrow
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
