iWorld
Kaun Banega Crorepati reigns as advertisers’ beloved choice, continuing its impressive run on SonyLIV!
Mumbai: Over the years, ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ has become synonymous with the hopes and dreams of millions. The show, cherished by audiences of all ages, continues to make a significant impact on people’s lives. The reality show has returned with its 15th season, accompanied by the highly acclaimed feature, KBC Play Along on Sony LIV.
The last season of KBC has proven to be an extraordinary triumph, surpassing previous records on the platform. Furthermore, ‘KBC Play Along’ allows users to participate real-time while watching the show on the app. This initiative creates an ideal environment for advertisers to target a highly engaged audience through Sony LIV exclusive integrations.
Seizing this opportunity to engage with a broad and diverse audience, renowned brands have joined forces to convey their brand messages and connect with viewers through distinctive brand integrations. ACKO, India’s leading digital insurance company and Vimal have come onboard as a ‘Co-Presenting Sponsor’. As part of this partnership, ACKO has tactfully partnered with the platform for KBC lifelines across the show & Play Along to build the brands proposition as consumer’s go-to Lifeline for their insurance needs across Health & Auto categories.
IDFC FIRST Bank joins as the ‘Banking Partner’, exclusively representing banking branding throughout the show. This involves presentation of IDFC FIRST Bank Branded cheques to the winners and interactive assets on Play Along.
India’s major electronics retailer, Croma, steps in as a ‘Co-Powered Sponsor’. Croma will conduct unique quizzes for its online and offline customers, offering a chance to be a special guest on the KBC set, among other rewards. Additionally, to build and highlight the brand’s online presence, contestants who surpass 25 lakhs can select a Croma appliance as a prize from “Croma.com Cart Unlocked”.
The show also brings in UltraTech Cement, Parle Agro and Atomberg as Partner sponsors along with other prominent advertisers.
Comments
Sony LIV head AD sales revenue Ranjana Mangla
A show with a global legacy, Kaun Banega Crorepati has truly become an essential part of Indian culture, representing knowledge, aspiration, and growth. A huge and diverse audience base along-with active participation via LIV exclusive Play-along provides advertisers scaled reach with multiple touchpoints supported by innovative integrations and contextual creative renditions to land their message effectively in a seamless manner. Continued sponsorship partnerships with Acko, IDFC, Vimal, Ultratech and repeat investments from many others are solid testament to KBC delivering great value to advertisers on-board.
Croma COO Shibashish Roy
We are excited to team up with SonyLIV for KBC, a journey filled with knowledge, excitement, and endless possibilities. Like the show’s spirit, Croma aims to empower people with latest in technology and seamless experiences. The partnership highlights our common goal to spark curiosity and shape a world where innovation is limitless.
Parle Agro joint managing director & CMO Nadia Chauhan
At Parle Agro, we are thrilled to associate our Smoodh dairy beverage with the intellectually stimulating Kaun Banega Crorepati on Sony LIV. We eagerly anticipate rewarding the Play Along participants, who showcase sharp intelligence and keen insight—traits that echo the essence of both our brand and the show. This alliance embodies our steadfast dedication to innovation, knowledge, and unparalleled quality.
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.
