Disney and Reliance Forge $8.5 Billion Media Merger in India

Walt Disney and India’s Reliance Industries have unveiled plans for a significant merger of their media operations in India, marking a strategic move to consolidate their foothold in one of the world’s most vibrant entertainment markets.

Announced on Wednesday, the merger will see the integration of Disney-owned Star India and Reliance’s Viacom18 into a new entity called Star India joint venture, valued at a substantial $8.5 billion. With a combined reach extending to over 750 million viewers across India, this collaboration aims to leverage the synergies of both companies to dominate the country’s media landscape.

The deal, though subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, is poised to reshape the Indian media industry and is anticipated to be finalized either in the last quarter of this year or the first quarter of 2025.

Under the terms of the merger, Reliance, helmed by Mukesh Ambani, will emerge as the controlling stakeholder, injecting $1.4 billion into the joint venture to fuel its growth trajectory. The ownership structure will see Reliance holding a 16.34% interest, with Ambani’s Viacom18 owning 46.82%, and Disney retaining 36.84%.

Nita Ambani, wife of Mukesh Ambani, will chair the joint venture, while Uday Shankar, a board member at Viacom18, will serve as vice chairperson, bringing a wealth of industry experience to steer the combined entity toward success.

Expressing optimism about the prospects of the collaboration, Disney CEO Bob Iger emphasized the significance of the Indian market, highlighting the long-term value the joint venture aims to create.

The announcement also comes with financial implications for Disney, as the company anticipates noncash pretax impairment charges between $1.8 billion and $2.4 billion in the current quarter, reflecting a write-down of Star India’s net assets.

In terms of governance, the merger agreement stipulates that Disney will appoint three directors to the joint venture’s board, while Reliance will have five seats. Additionally, two independent directors will be nominated to ensure a balanced oversight structure.

The move underscores the fierce competition among entertainment giants to gain a stronghold in India’s lucrative market. Despite challenges such as subscriber losses and cost-cutting initiatives, Disney remains committed to its presence in the region.

Bob Iger, in a previous statement to CNBC, reiterated Disney’s commitment to India, expressing a desire to strengthen the company’s position in the market.

The merger between Disney and Reliance marks a significant development in the Indian media landscape, signaling a new era of collaboration and competition in the country’s vibrant entertainment industry. As both companies navigate the regulatory landscape and finalize the deal, eyes are on the potential synergies and innovations that this partnership will bring to the Indian audience.

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