iWorld
Zee5 announces OTT series on Leander Paes-Mahesh Bhupathi partnership
KOLKATA: Zee5 has announced sports docu-drama “Break Point” with the award-winning filmmaker duo Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari at the helm. The series will explore the untold story of the titans of tennis Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, their partnership and the bitter break-up, the platform said in a statement on Thursday.
The show will also mark Zee5’s first partnership with the filmmakers under their banner Earthsky Pictures.
Speaking about the offering, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd content and international markets president Punit Misra said, “Our Content design philosophy is simple – Build a deep understanding of viewers as people, not just as consumers of content. Build a bank of insights about the people, their culture, what interests and inspires them, what are their fears, hopes and aspirations. And powered with these insights, tell stories that connect, inspire, entertain and energize.”
“To tell these powerful stories in an impactful way, we want to partner with the best creative leaders. I am very proud of our partnership with Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari, to tell the amazing story of Lee and Hesh, true champions of our great country. ‘BREAK POINT’ is our effort to bring to our countrymen and to the world the told, but more importantly, the untold story of these adored champions of India,” he added.
Consumer delight and a seamless user experience have been an integral aspect of Zee5’s approach, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd Digital Businesses & Platforms president Amit Goenka said . With Break Point, the platform is set to further delight its viewers with a gripping story that drove one of the most famous partnerships in sports from India. They see this story opening the floodgates to a new format of narrative and the breadth of content on Zee5, Goenka added.
Commenting on the partnership with Zee5, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and Nitesh Tiwari in a joint statement said, “Break Point is an emotionally moving human story of India’s biggest sports legends and their incredible journey through the ups and downs in their professional and personal life. Through this show, we will witness an exemplary story of hard-work, conflict, belief, emotions and ambitions and showcase some of the most iconic moments of Indian tennis. We are both thrilled to be bringing this interesting story through Zee5, one of India’s largest home-grown video streaming platforms.”
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.
