iWorld
Livon chooses to #ExpressWithPride, presenting Uncut on YouTube and Instagram
Mumbai: India 2022 is seeing a world of changes in terms of how we perceive things as well as how we express ourselves. As we continue pride celebrations, the voice of the queer community is getting louder and prouder, rising above every obstacle and naysayer.
Livon, in collaboration with the Ogilvy Content Force, takes ‘the Pride month’ to move away from the cookie-cutter, age-old definition of self-expression and representation, breaking away from a world of binaries to truly celebrate the rainbow side of life.
Uncut, the brand new series by Livon, is an initiative to freely talk about things that are usually swept under the rug. But being true to the brand ethos of “self-expression”, they have launched the series with #ExpressWithPride, co-creating with a host of young, opinionated and talented queer creators who have spoken their minds about a lot of pertinent issues starting from what it’s like being non-binary in India to how their professional lives are impacted by their sexuality.
The activity has been rolled out in an integrated manner, starting with videos and promos on YouTube with teasers on Instagram as well as Spotify ads to have maximum impact and reach.
The campaign has struck a chord with the audience due to the sheer unfiltered and fresh nature of its content which steers away from the usual tokenism seen prevalent during Pride. For the first time ever, a brand was not just turning into a rainbow sign or talking about their coming out story but instead, highlighted not just major issues pertaining to the LGBTQIA+ community but all the little things that matter as well.
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.
