GECs
Leading Leasing trims stake in Sri Adhikari Brothers
MUMBAI: Leading Leasing Finance and Investment Company has quietly exited a slice of its position in Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network, selling 110,000 equity shares in a week-long open market spree that concluded on 5 December.
The disposal, spanning five trading sessions from 1 December, shaved the finance firm’s stake from 17.36 per cent to 16.93 per cent in the Mumbai-based television production house. Leading Leasing now holds 4.295 million shares in Sri Adhikari Brothers, down from 4.405 million previously.
The sale triggers disclosure requirements under India’s takeover regulations, which mandate reporting when substantial shareholders alter their holdings. Leading Leasing, helmed by managing director Kurjibhai Rupareliya, is not part of Sri Adhikari Brothers’ promoter group and appears to be gradually unwinding what remains a significant minority position.
Sri Adhikari Brothers Television Network, listed on both the BSE and National Stock Exchange, has an equity base of 25.37 million shares of Rs 10 each. The company’s total share capital remains unchanged post-transaction at Rs 253.73 million.
The timing and rationale behind the stake reduction remain undisclosed. Leading Leasing submitted the mandatory regulatory filing but offered no commentary on whether further sales are planned or if this marks the beginning of a broader exit strategy.
For a firm still holding nearly 17 per cent, the trimming looks more like portfolio adjustment than wholesale retreat. But in markets where every basis point matters, even modest stake sales raise questions about conviction.
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.
