iWorld
Star’s ‘Mauka’ campaign drives YouTube’s views in Q1
MUMBAI: With a whopping 10 million views, Star India’s ‘Mauka Mauka’ ad campaign for the ICC Cricket World Cup earlier this year, has been the second most watched campaign in the first quarter of 2015 on the video platform YouTube.
The campaign comes second only to Gillette’s ‘the best a fan can get’ ad campaign.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 was a money raker in Q1 2015 as advertisers flocked to the tournament. With India’s stupendous performance throughout the World Cup, it was indeed one of the most important moments of the year. However, a lot has also changed since the last edition of the World Cup in 2011. For example, there are more users now on the Internet, social media commentary drives live entertainment and the match is played both on field and off the field across the Internet. Keeping the third reason in mind, YouTube India came up with the top trending ads of Q1 and cricket was the flavor of the quarter.
A number of users lapped up campaigns built around the gentleman’s game. With the UGC around Mauka Mauka garnering a total of 10 million views only went on to prove the power of YouTube as a platform that can amplify the reach of a campaign through endemic content.
The third campaign making it to the list was the Boost Cricket Anthem – Hey Champion, Stay Champion. The fourth in the list is the innovative #LiveItAbhi campaign undertaken by FMCG brand Pepsi.
Ranbir Kapoor and Saavn Cricket World Cup 2015 ad featured on Valentine’s Day came in fifth followed by Pidilite. The Sony Bravia TVC called The Most Colourful Cricket Experience stood at the seventh spot while Cricket Face Paint campaign by Google+ took the eighth spot.
The #YehGameHiHaiTasteKa brand campaign by Lays was at the ninth spot while the tenth spot was taken by the Micromax Unite Cricket Anthem 2015.
As per the report, the list suggests that users love content that is built around things that they are passionate about, in this case cricket.
“As a marketer, when these big sporting moments occur, one wants to be there for people, helping them have the time of their lives before, during and after the game — not just waiting for a break in play to get a word in,” states the YouTube India report.
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.
