iWorld
IN10 Media inks content partnership deal with ZEE5
MUMBAI: IN10 Media, a network with diverse offerings in the media and entertainment sector, has announced its two-channel content partnership deal with ZEE5. With this partnership, ZEE5 users will have easy access to IN10 Media’s infotainment channel EPIC TV, and youth-centric, 24-hour music channel ShowBox.
With the integration of both these linear television channels on ZEE5 app, users now can watch the wide repertoire of content from EPIC TV’s diverse tales about India to ShowBox’s original and innovative musical programs anytime, anywhere.
EPIC TV’s eclectic library of high-quality, India-centric content comprises of leading marquee shows like Regiment Diaries, Raja Rasoi Aur Andaaz Anokha, Indipedia, Umeed India and more. It is the only infotainment channel available on ZEE5, adding new flavours to the platform’s existing content library of 100+ originals, movies, news and its brand-new gamification.
ShowBox recently ranked the fourth most-watched musical channel in the country (as per BARC Week 10-11 2020 data), offers various shows like ‘YO! Wassup’, an interactive show wherein viewers can send their picture to be displayed on the channel along with a message, ‘Swag Star’, a fun interactive chat show with known and budding artists, ‘Super hits with Drama Queen Swati’ a compilation of super hit songs with famous Red FM RJ- Swati, ‘Music Box Office’, a weekly show reviewing latest musical videos, and albums.
Commenting on the IN10 Media Syndication & Acquisition AVP Adita Jain said: “At IN10, our constant endeavour has been to make our unique bouquet of content available through various avenues and platforms for the users’ as per their preference. With an increasing number of people consuming content on-the-go, our association with ZEE5 reinforces our commitment of providing high-quality content with easy accessibility. Our vision is to truly utilize the digital space and continue to explore opportunities to expand our content offering nationally & globally.”
On the ZEE5 India business development & commercial head Manpreet Bumrah said, “We believe in providing content across languages, genres and clusters, as we aspire to be the super-app of entertainment. The larger vision at ZEE5, is to be able to build a rich repository of varied content across genres that makes a ZEE5 an investment for an individual to enjoy content viewing anytime, anywhere.”
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.
