GECs
Google’s stake in AOL could lead to IPO in 2008
MUMBAI: The Google – AOL stake deal hints at the possibility of an AOL initial public offering in 2008, according to a regulatory filing.
The deal, which is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2006, gives Google the potential right to require an IPO for America Online in 2008, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Google will have the right to sell its new 5 per cent stake in America Online as soon as 1 July 2008, according to the filing. The filings say that starting two and a half years into the five-year agreement, Google will have the right to force Time Warner to register its shares in AOL with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This would allow Google to sell the shares on the public market. Time Warner has the option to buy the shares back for cash or Time Warner shares at an appraised value.
Google spokeswoman Lynn Fox said: “In private equity investments it is common to have a set of investor rights similar to the ones we have. This does not mean that there is intent to exercise the rights.” Time Warner spokesman Edward I. Adler described the term as a “standard clause” of such investments.
Google announced this week its decision to invest $1 billion for a 5 per cent stake in Time Warner Inc.’s AOL and expand the online advertising partnership between the companies.
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.
