iWorld
Nexgtv acquires Sooperfly parenting shows’ international digital telecast rights
MUMBAI: Nexgtv has acquired the international digital telecast rights to the immensely popular parenting TV series, ‘The Tara Sharma Show’. The move enables new and existing nexGTv users to view content that focuses on childcare, family-centric topics and women’s & children’s issues, spread across 13 episodes each from Season 1 and 2 of the show. This unique and differentiated content is produced by digital creation agency Sooperfly, which is joint venture between Digaonal View and 120 Media Collective, South Asia’s leading content production and distribution firm.
Nexgtv COO Abhesh Verma commented, “At nexGTv, our aim is to offer consumers compelling entertainment with complete ease and convenience. Our acquisition of the digital telecast rights of ‘The Tara Sharma Show’ further strengthen our commitment to consistently get relevant content serving to the need of our customers beyond just entertainment and will enable our viewers to access inspirational stories and healthy discussions aimed at helping viewers to learn tips and tricks to good parenting. Indian viewers, both in India and abroad, can look forward to experiencing informative entertainment on our platform through their laptops, phones and tablets.”
Users at nexGTv can avail of entertainment solutions through captivating videos that run seamlessly across 2G, EDGE, 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi networks, and across Android, iOS, BlackBerry and Tizen devices. The Tara Sharma Show and other featured content by Sooperfly is made available as a part of the paid packages at nexGTv, and can be accessed be either through www.nexgtv.com or through the nexGTv mobile app.
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.
