iWorld
MX Player announces an exclusive partnership with entertainer Sapna Choudhary
Sapna Choudhary needs no introduction considering her mega appeal and the millions of views her songs and videos have received. And now, MX Player, the world’s largest local video player and India’s leading streaming platform is exclusively offering India a chance to witness the Queen of hinterland, Sapna Choudhary’s talent!
Hard-work, dedication and passion are the key ingredients to overcome any obstacle thrown your way – the singer has proven this true by carving a prominent space for herself in this industry. Starting her career with an orchestra group in Haryana, this self-made star went on to create super-hit songs like ‘Solid Body’ and ‘Tu Cheez Lajawab’, instantly creating waves in the industry and winning millions of hearts!
The streaming platform has now associated with this multi-talented entertainer and as a part of their tie-up will be exclusively streaming Sapna’s live events and all of her music videos. Additionally, Sapna will have her very own channel on MX Player where she will upload exclusive content only for MX users. And that’s not all, she will also be featuring in two MX Original series!
“Being the leading OTT platform in our country, it feels great to be associated with MX Player. Their app is reaching out to the heartland of India and through this association I hope to reach out to my fans and more! What I like most about MX is their openness to varied genres and mine is the first in this genre to be up on the platform”, said Sapna.
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.
