iWorld
Sony LIV gets 4 sponsors for original online series ‘Tanlines’
MUMBAI: Multi Screen Media’s (MSM) over the top (OTT) platform Sony Liv has roped in four sponsors for its third original digital series – Tanlines.
Brands, which have come board the web series are Unlimited (presented by sponsor), Maruti Suzuki – Swift (powered by sponsor), Truly Madly (associate sponsor) and Fogg Deos (party partner).
As was previously reported by Indiantelevision.com, after launching its first original series LoveBytes, Sony Liv lined up two more original shows namely LIV Shutter, which went online on 21 October and Tanlines, which is slated to launch on 27 October.
Split into 13 episodes of 10-15 minutes each, Tanlines captures the time the six protagonists spend in Goa before they part ways.
Produced by Fluence, Tanlines has been written and directed by Prosit Roy, who has previously worked on films likeJaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na, Delhi-6 and All Is Well.
MSM executive vice president and head – digital business Uday Sodhi said, “With LoveBytes, we established our pioneering status in the industry as the first digital video-on-demand (VOD) platform to introduce a show exclusively for online viewers. With Tanlines, we’ve taken the commitment of creating and establishing original premium web content for our digital viewers to the next level.”
Tanlines is a youth focused original web show targeted at the digital millennials. Its theme, flavor and medium of consumption are all tailored exclusively for Sony LIV’s younger demographic. The show centres on the lives of six teenagers making that pivotal transition from college to professional life.
“It is a show that will appeal to all our young viewers who can access the entertainment anytime, anywhere on devices they most love!,” Sodhi added.
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.
