Sony’s Indian unit and ZEE Entertainment may merge to what analysts say is likely to rival market leader Star and Disney India in terms of viewership and channel offerings.
The merged entity could also become India's biggest entertainment network.
According to ZEE, they have unanimously approved Sony's proposal in principle and have advised their management team to initiate the due diligence process.
Sony Pictures Networks India will hold a 52.93 percent stake in the merged entity following a proposed $1.58 billion capital infusion.
Shares in Sony Pictures Networks India soared by 30 percent on the announcement.
The new entity will be listed on the Indian stock exchanges.
The Indian entertainment market is already one of the world’s biggest, valued at $24 billion, while smartphone adoption could expand.
Sony and ZEE Entertainment operate 75 channels in English, Hindi, and 10 Indian regional languages, which reach 173 countries.
The two firms have a big opportunity in terms of synergies, with Sony doing well in sports, such as cricket, UFC, WWE wrestling, and UEFA soccer, and mainstream general entertainment channels, while ZEE has a strong recall in the regional genre.
Both companies offer extensive movie catalogs, for over-the-top web platforms and TV offerings.
The merger will also combine the two subscription-based streaming platforms SonyLIV and ZEE5--the biggest original digital content publisher in India, having released more than 75 original shows in 2020-21.


Washington Post Publisher Will Lewis Steps Down After Layoffs
Toyota’s Surprise CEO Change Signals Strategic Shift Amid Global Auto Turmoil
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady
OpenAI Expands Enterprise AI Strategy With Major Hiring Push Ahead of New Business Offering
Trump Lifts 25% Tariff on Indian Goods in Strategic U.S.–India Trade and Energy Deal
Prudential Financial Reports Higher Q4 Profit on Strong Underwriting and Investment Gains
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality
SoftBank Shares Slide After Arm Earnings Miss Fuels Tech Stock Sell-Off
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals
Once Upon a Farm Raises Nearly $198 Million in IPO, Valued at Over $724 Million
SpaceX Pushes for Early Stock Index Inclusion Ahead of Potential Record-Breaking IPO
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target
Uber Ordered to Pay $8.5 Million in Bellwether Sexual Assault Lawsuit
Nasdaq Proposes Fast-Track Rule to Accelerate Index Inclusion for Major New Listings 



