GECs
Comcast, Sony in the running for ZEEL stake?
MUMBAI: In the latest financial results, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) MD and CEO Punit Goenka mentioned that the company has narrowed down its search for a partner to divest up to 50 per cent stake in the company, an announcement it made in November 2018. Now, according to an unconfirmed news report by CNBC TV18, the ZEEL promoters are in the US reportedly negotiating with Comcast and Sony for a stake sale.
Both the companies have given bids in the range of Rs 540-560 per share, says the CNBCTV18 report, which is 24 per cent higher than the closing price of Thursday, 15 February. The agreement is likely to be concluded this week.
As of 31 December, ZEEL promoters hold 41.62 per cent share in the company. It seems that ZEEL promoters are now willing to share more than 50 per cent stake.
The report also says that Alibaba, Tencent and Amazon were also in the race for ZEEL’s OTT platform ZEE5.
The Subhash Chandra-led ZEEL reported 17.9 percent year-on year (y-o-y) growth with operating revenue at Rs 2,166.77 crore for the quarter ended 31 December 2018 (Q3 2019, quarter or period under review) as compared to the Rs 1,838.07 crore for the corresponding year ago quarter Q3 2018. EBITDA for the quarter under review increased 26.9 percent y-o-y to Rs 754.29 crore from Rs 594.42 crore.
GECs
Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe win Masterchef India season finale
Chef Sanjeev Kapoor joins judges for emotional MasterChef finale
MUMBAI: The latest season of MasterChef India concluded on a high note, with brothers Vikram Gandhe and Ajinkya Gandhe crowned winners in the grand finale aired on Sony Entertainment Television.
The duo from Nagpur lifted the coveted trophy and donned the show’s signature golden apron after a season that celebrated India’s diverse culinary traditions under the theme “Pride of India”.
This edition of the popular cooking reality show introduced a new jodi format, with 50 pairs from across the country competing in the Masterchef kitchen. Contestants brought personal stories, regional flavours and family bonds to the competition.
The grand finale featured the final three pairs: Vikram and Ajinkya Gandhe (brothers), Saisree and Chanda (mother and daughter), and Anju and Manju (sisters).
The finale was attended by celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor, who joined the show’s judging panel comprising Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar and Kunal Kapur.
Kapoor said the show has long served as a platform to celebrate India’s rich culinary heritage and provide passionate home cooks with a national stage. He noted that the current season reflected a confident India that takes pride in its roots while embracing new culinary ideas.
Judge Vikas Khanna said the contestants’ journeys and the memories created during the season would remain with the team long after the show’s conclusion. Ranveer Brar described the show as a family that continues to grow with every season, while Kunal Kapur praised the contestants’ creativity and determination.
With the finale now concluded, the latest season of MasterChef India once again highlighted how food can reflect identity, heritage and storytelling, inspiring home cooks across the country to pursue their culinary ambitions.
