iWorld
OTTplay onboards Chaupal Punjabi to expand their regional audience base
Mumbai: OTTplay, a platform for OTT content aggregation, is thrilled to announce the addition of Chaupal Punjabi to its growing roster of top-tier entertainment providers. This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in OTTplay’s mission to offer diverse and high-quality content to its users.
Chaupal, known for its extensive library of regional content, including Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Haryanvi, among others, will now be accessible to OTTplay’s extensive audience base. This collaboration promises to bring a rich variety of movies, TV shows, and exclusive originals to OTTplay subscribers, enhancing their viewing experience with unique and culturally resonant stories.
OTTplay, an OTT aggregator with 40 plus apps, continues to solidify its position as a leading platform in India. By bringing together content from various OTT platforms, OTTplay ensures that users can effortlessly find and enjoy their favourite shows and movies from a single, convenient interface. With the inclusion of Chaupal Punjabi, OTTplay reaffirms its commitment to offering diverse and high-quality entertainment options for its ever-expanding and discerning audience base.
Chaupal OTT founder and MD Sandeep Bansal shared his excitement about the partnership: “We are delighted to join hands with OTTplay, a platform that shares our commitment to delivering high-quality and diverse entertainment. At Chaupal, we believe in the power of regional stories to connect with audiences on a profound level. By partnering with OTTplay, we are confident that our rich and varied content will reach new heights, resonating with viewers who appreciate authentic and culturally significant storytelling.”
He added, “This collaboration is a testament to our dedication to expanding the reach of regional content and celebrating the diversity of Indian culture. We look forward to a fruitful partnership with OTTplay, one that will undoubtedly enrich the entertainment experience for our combined audience.”
OTTplay CEO and co-founder Avinash Mudaliar expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are excited to welcome Chaupal Punjabi to the OTTplay family. This collaboration aligns with our vision to provide a comprehensive and diverse entertainment experience. Chaupal’s unique content offering will significantly enrich our platform, providing our users with an unparalleled viewing experience that celebrates regional diversity. With the rising demand for regional content and storytelling, we are optimistic that this partnership will be a testament for delivering quality content across regions.”
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.
