iWorld
Culture machine acquires Telugu YouTube channel ‘Viva’
Mumbai: Culture machine is planning to strengthen the content creation space in SouthIindia by acquiring popular youth Telugu channel Viva. Viva’s content resonates with the youth of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and the expat community alike. Put Chutney is one of the humorous South Indian channels in the Tamil space of the multi-channel network Culture Machine.
Culture Machine co-founder Sameer Pitalwala said – “We have always aimed to expand and reach out to as many markets. With the success of the Comedy Factory, Put Chutney and Aithe Ok, in the Gujarati, Tamil and Telugu audiences respectively, we now want to able to provide as much variety in entertainment for the Telugu speaking market with viva.”
It has released the first video titled ‘Every Hyderabadi’ that encapsulates every aspect of being a true Hyderabadi. Cutting a slice of life observation from any localities’ life, this video depicts how most of the youth spend their time in the city. The video shows the life and habits of one Hyderabadi guy who goes about life greeting people, delaying, laughing, talking and enjoying life the way he likes. Moving through life with ease, life to a Hyderabad just happens along the way. One can identify with them from a distance from their unique style of walking, talking and going about life.
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.
