iWorld
YuppTV bags digital & satellite rights for ‘Mental Madhilo’
MUMBAI: YuppTV is teaming up with prominent producers and distributors to provide expat audiences with easier access to new movie releases. It has bagged the exclusive digital and satellite rights for distributing Mental Madhilo, a Telugu movie starring Sri Vishnu and Nivetha Pethuraj, directed by Vivek Athreya and produced by Raj Kandukuri.
YuppTV collaborated with producer Raj Kandukuri, Suresh Productions and Freeze Frame Films for the benefit of the global Telugu audience. It has collaborated with Freeze Frame Films for the overseas distribution of the movie in theatres.
Commenting on the latest development, YuppTV founder and CEO Uday Reddy said, “It’s our privilege to partner with Suresh Productions and prominent producer of Pelli Choopulu, Raj Kandukuri. Our association with the leading producers and distributors is aimed at making it easier for our expat audiences to access latest movies and entertainment solutions, despite geographically limited theatre releases.”
Suresh Production MD Daggupati Suresh Babu said, “We are glad to partner with YuppTV. YuppTV has always aimed at providing its audience with great video experience through its strong technology. Further to this association, we aim at delivering our unique content to the audience on YuppTV’s advanced technology backbone.”
Echoing the same thought, Kandukuri added, “In this age of digitalisation and disruptive technologies, there is no reason why our expat audiences must wait for the latest entertainment of their liking. Our association is focused on enabling easier access to latest movies and I congratulate everyone who has been a part of this venture.”
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.
