iWorld
Liam Neeson’s Retribution is set to digitally premiere on Lionsgate Play this 24 November
Mumbai: The clock is ticking! Action icon Liam Neeson stars in Lionsgate Play’s Retribution as Matt Turner, a dad who must save his family. When a mysterious caller threatens his family, Matt, a regular businessman-dad must leave everything behind to find the truth. Directed by Nimrod Antal, and starring Mathew Modine, Jack Champion, and Embeth Davidtz in pivotal roles, this action thriller shows Liam Neeson dealing with tough emotions in a sticky situation. While backed into a corner, Liam fights hard to protect his family, his best friend and business partner (Mathew Modine), and himself. However, with time running out, can he save everyone and escape the mystery caller’s trap before it’s too late? Find out as Retribution is all set to digitally premiere exclusively on Lionsgate Play on 24 November.
Talking about the film, ace actor Mathew Modine said, “When Nimród told me what his approach was going to be with Retribution, I loved it. It was this idea of taking a big story and locking it inside an automobile, an entire film inside of a car. It reminded me of Speed and also Drive. It had elements of both, but the vision Nimród had for this movie was quite unique. It sounded like so much fun and a great challenge. Not just for Nimród but for everybody who would work on the film.”
Watch the iconic Liam Neeson and Mathew Modine star in Retribution this 24 November exclusively on Lionsgate Play.
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.
