iWorld
Kota Factory’s Mayur reveals student life realities in college Vidya’s new campaign
October 2023 – College Vidya, a one-stop solution for making informed online education choices, is thrilled to announce its exciting new campaign featuring the talented actor Mayur More, renowned for his role in the popular web series “The Kota Factory.” The primary objective of this campaign is to bring to the forefront the pressing issue of unwarranted opinions students are met with from relatives, peers, family members, and acquaintances regarding their education and career choices. Through a monologue, the campaign provides a commentary on the multiplicity of voices and opinions affecting the career decisions of students.
The campaign’s highlight is a captivating video where Mayur More engages in a candid conversation about the importance of making informed career decisions. The video commences with More’s makeup artist sharing his thoughts on More’s acting skills, a subtle commentary on the opinionated voices all around us. In India, on a similar note, individuals often face difficulties due to the constant stream of unsolicited opinions regarding their career paths. The campaign aims to put forth the frustrations and undue pressures that the students face because of such influences and opinions, highlighting the crucial role of professional guidance and unbiased mentorship. This aligns with the brand’s vision – Chuno Wahi Jo Hai Sahi – of providing the right information to students to help them make informed career choices and decisions.
Recognizing the need for expert guidance in making informed career choices, the brand aims to provide aspiring students with invaluable support. The platform offers unbiased comparisons between universities, along with authentic student reviews and ratings. By providing a comprehensive database of information, College Vidya empowers students to make well-informed decisions about their future.
“We are thrilled to have Mayur More on board for this campaign,” said College Vidya co-founder, and COO Rohit Gupta while speaking about the announcement. “His popularity and relatability among the youth make him the perfect advocate for our cause. With his support, we hope to reach and inspire countless students in their journey toward a successful career.”
The campaign aims to raise student awareness about the importance of informed educational choices in a long-term career journey. It promotes College Vidya’s professional services, guidance, counselling, and course comparison options, promoting research and understanding of the best courses and universities for students.
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.
