iWorld
ZEE5 and Jalesh Cruises partner to launch exclusive offers in the Middle East
Mumbai: Close on the heels of announcing its partnerships with top retailers in the Middle East like Lulu and EUROSTAR, ZEE5 continues to deepen its presence across the market with yet another partnership announcement, this time with India’s first multi-destination cruise line, Jalesh Cruises, to roll out a slew of offers for the Middle East market. With a host of entertainment shows, adventure activities and exotic authentic cuisines, packed with luxury hospitality on the high seas, Jalesh Cruises will now offer exclusive discounts and offers to ZEE5’s audiences in the Middle East.
As a part of this unique partnership, Jalesh Cruise guests in the Middle East will receive a one-month free subscription to ZEE5, giving them access to the platforms premium content including Originals and latest Bollywood blockbusters.
Further, ZEE5 subscribers in the Middle East can also avail of a 15% discount on Jalesh Cruises. And as a special limited time offer, 25 lucky subscribers in the Middle East, who opt for a one-year subscription, stand a chance to win an All-Access couple pass to a 3-night, 4-day cruise from Dubai to Bahrain and back.
This new alliance further builds on ZEE5’s presence in the Middle East through an increasing network of key alliances, ensuring that audiences there have an array of options through which they can access and subscribe to ZEE5, and avail exciting discounts and offers.
Commenting on this partnership, Archana Anand, Chief Business Officer, ZEE5 Global, “We are thrilled to partner with Jalesh Cruises, India’s Premiere Cruise Line, to bring some very exciting offers to our subscribers in the Middle East and also enable their customers to watch ZEE5 on the go.”
Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Jalesh Cruises adds, “We are pleased to welcome ZEE5 subscribers on board Karnika. This is a two-in-one golden opportunity for our valuable guests in the Middle East. When on board Karnika, they will be entertained by our diverse and attractive range of carefully planned entertainment activities; ZEE5 will entertain them on the go with their equally exciting range of premium content.”
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.
