News Broadcasting
UK’s 3i eyes more acquisitions in India
MUMBAI: UK-based 3i is betting big on India. After investing $45.50 million for a 33 per cent stake in Mumbai-based Nimbus Communications, the private equity and venture fund is eyeing further acquisitions in a wide range of sectors including media.
“If we manage even two-three deals in India, we will have pumped in major investments over the next five years. The range of the deals will be between $20-100 million for minority positions,” says 3i managing director and co-head Asia Anil Ahuja.
For buyouts, the investments could be more. So is 3i looking at a buyout in the media sector? “We are on the hunt,” says Ahuja.
Media is a big area for 3i, having made over 100 investments across the world. “There are multiple Indian media companies in the market even in the publishing business,” says Ahuja.
What made 3i decide on Nimbus? “The company has more than an Indian footprint. We with our experience and depth can work closely to put things together,” says Ahuja.
A large chunk of the money will be put into sports rights acquisitions and working capital. Television production and motion pictures will also attract finance. A sizeable amount will be set aside for digital media conversion, adds Ahuja.
Will 3i wait long for Nimbus to go for an initial public offering (IPO)? “Even now the company has the strength to go for an IPO. It has earned a net profit of Rs 150 million for 2004-05. But the important thing is to grow the value of the company in the next few years,” says Ahuja.
Nimbus will explore investments in sports and lifestyle broadcasting. “The company is positively inclined twoards sports broadcasting. We could either launch or acquire an existing channel or even get into a joint venture. We expect to take a decision within the next 12 weeks,” says Nimbus Communications executive chairman Harish Thawani.
Nimbus is in the process of completing a deal to take over a leading film distribution company. “We are well funded for our expansion plans. We have strong internal accruals and the sales procured by the company stood at Rs 2.13 billion for 2004-05. We have access to international markets. We have the ability to bring in a debt component,” says Thawani.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
