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Xapads collaborates with Disney+ Hotstar
Mumbai: The dynamic changes in how people consume content have created exciting prospects for streaming platforms to connect with audiences in innovative ways. In India, Disney+ Hotstar, a leader in the streaming space, is seizing this opportunity by collaborating with Xapads to enhance its capabilities in Connected TV (CTV) advertising. The association between Xapads and Disney+ Hotstar is set to unlock new possibilities for advertisers in the MENA region.
As CTV continues to gain momentum, this collaboration underscores Disney+ Hotstar’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the evolving media landscape. Known for its extensive content library spanning movies, TV shows, live sports, and capturing the hearts of millions of dedicated viewers, together Xapads and Disney+ Hotstar will offer a distinct opportunity for advertisers to connect with the streaming platform’s diverse audience and revolutionize the way brands connect with their target audience.
Expressing great excitement about the opportunities ahead, Xapads, COO Ramneek Chadha believes that, ‘ The powerful position Disney+ Hotstar holds in the streaming realm, combined with the proficiency in digital advertising, will bring outstanding outcomes for advertisers and create a more engaging and tailored viewing experience for the audience. Advertisers will gain direct entry to premium CTV and connected device audiences within the top 10 metropolitan areas.’
Talking about the collaboration, Disney+ Hotstar head of ads Dhruv Dhawan said, “At Disney+ Hotstar, we are always looking for newer ways to enable our advertisers to make the most of our ads solutions. Our collaboration with Xapads will enable us to make strides in the Mena region, enabling us to grow our advertiser base.”
Xapads country head, MENA Gagan Uppal said, “This will bridge the gap between brands and the audience, making content and advertising more engaging and accessible than ever before. Advertisers will gain exclusive access to premium inventory, while the audience can enjoy interesting content and live streaming of matches. Looking forward to witnessing the incredible stories and experiences that will unfold as a result of this development”.
Together with Xapads, Disney+ Hotstar is poised to lead the charge in CTV advertising innovation, offering a new era of opportunities for brands and viewers in the MENA region.
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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.
