iWorld
Olympic Gold Quest and Twitter together share the journey of Indian Olympians
MUMBAI: Olympic Gold Quest, a not-for-profit foundation supporting the training and preparation of India’s top athletes, has joined forces with Twitter to let Indian fans be part of journey with the Olympians and Olympic sports they support. Throughout the lead up to, during and after the Rio Olympics, Indian fans will be able to immerse themselves in the Rio experiences of their favourite Olympians across Twitter, Vine and Periscope
#ReadyForRio Periscope Series
Starting 23 June, Olympic Gold Quest will be taking fans into the world of Indian Olympics with a regular #ReadyForRio Periscope series from the Twitter India Blue Room leading up to the Games and from Rio during the Olympics, where Viren Rasquinha will host Twitter chats with athletes and other guests.
#KnowYourStar Video Series with Athletes
Athletes supported by Olympic Gold Quest will be answering fun and interesting questions in a rapid fire video quiz series on Twitter.
#TrainWithOGQ on Vine
The Olympic Gold Quest Vine account will take fans into the inside world of Indian Olympic training with a regular series of six second Vine videos. These looping videos will highlight the Olympian training experience like never before, from the intensity of athlete training to the fun behind-the-scene moments.
Olympians on Twitter
Each of the athletes supported by Olympic Gold Quest be active on Twitter in the lead up to the Olympics. Fans can follow their journey by subscribing to this Twitter List that also includes the accounts of the Olympic Gold Quest founders, board, management and more.
Olympic Gold Quest CEO Viren Rasquinha said, “Our mission is to build a movement for Olympic sports in India. We are excited to partner with Twitter to ensure that well-wishers of Indian Olympics anywhere in the world will have the best access to the team with interactive video experiences.”
Twitter head of sports partnerships Aneesh Madani said, “Twitter has democratized sport and is the best place for fans to see what’s happening in the lead up to the Olympics. There has been a 400 percent growth in video consumption across Twitter, Vine and Periscope over the past year and Olympic Gold Quest’s commitment to bringing the story of Indian Olympians to life with Twitter video is great to see.”
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.
