iWorld
Shemaroo Entertainment signs catalogue deal with Spuul India
MUMBAI: Shemaroo Entertainment has signed another catalogue deal with Spuul, the popular online streaming service for Indian cinema. The companies have come together to create a larger library on the digital platform in order to offer an enhanced viewing experience online.
Speaking about this new deal, Spuul VP content Girish Dwibhashyam said, “As one of the leading providers of Bollywood content to viewers across India, Pakistan, UK, US and Middle East, we are constantly investing in growing our library by adding new, popular and in many cases, classic titles to our list. Our association with Shemaroo is yet another step in this direction.”
Shemaroo Entertainment Ltd director Jai Maroo said, “With ever growing number of consumers on the digital platform, we are sure that our association with Spuul will further boost the customer base. We have already been working with Spuul to make our content available through their platform and have seen them grow over the past couple of years. We are glad to be able to work with them and grow this opportunities even further.”
The two industry giants have been working closely to encourage legitimate consumption of Indian Cinema on digital media. In addition to a large selection of free movies, the platform offers movies with premium subscription option.
The platform now offers its viewers a wider catalogue that includes contemporary hits from Shemaroo like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, The Dirty Picture, Sarfarosh, Black and evergreen movies like Kaalia, Namak Halal, Shiva, Majboor, Amar Akbar Anthony, Don and Anamika, etc.
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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.
