iWorld
Vuclip to offer video-on-demand service to Indonesia
NEW DELHI: The mobile video on demand (VoD) service for emerging markets Vuclip has announced its strategic partnership with Indosat, one of the largest telecommunication networks and service providers in Indonesia with over 54 million subscribers.
Indosat and Vuclip will provide premium mobile VoD service for an attractive market launch price of just 1000 Rupiah per day. This offer is alongside the affordable data plans that Indosat provides in the Indonesian market.
The offering will showcase mobile content from partners such as MNC Group, Viva, Kompas TV, Kapanlagi, Malesbanget.com and Masak TV.
Until recently, premium mobile content, such as music videos, reality television series and quality religious programmes, was only available through the television with limited access on mobile phones. With this new initiative, Vuclip’s Dynamic Adaptive Transcoding Technology will empower Indosat subscribers to watch unbuffered videos, optimized for network variability, across all mobile devices.
“Vuclip’s approach to inspiring consumers to consume mobile video is in line with Indosat’s strategy to lead the market with differentiated quality offerings at affordable prices for subscribers. It’s Vuclip’s combination of a smooth viewing experience and compelling content riding on our best in class network rollouts that is really exciting,” Group head of data & VAS, Indosat Kevin Henry said. “This unique subscription approach is a very attractive one that should delight our customers. They can see that they are getting a fantastic value and this allows them to explore and discover interesting content with no limits imposed.”
“We admire Indosat’s mission to deliver a superior experience to its mobile subscribers. We are happy to partner with Indosat to turn that mission into a reality by providing a high quality premium video on demand service to the consumers in Indonesia,” said Vuclip COO Arun Prakash. “A wide selection of premium local and global content, an amazing unbuffered viewing experience, convenience to watch any video any time at an affordable price point is what makes our service very popular amongst millions of paying subscribers In Southeast Asia. This partnership reiterates our strategic focus and commitment to millions of subscribers in the Indonesian market.”
In addition to Indonesian consumers, Vuclip offers its highly popular premium video on demand services in UAE, Malaysia, India, Thailand and Egypt via partnerships with leading carriers in each of these countries.
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.
