It's official! Reliance Industries buys controlling stakes in Den Networks, Hathway Cable

RIL on Wednesday made it official that has made strategic investment in and partnership with Den Networks Limited, Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited.

The development also informs that Hathaway will issue 90.8 crore shares to Reliance Jio at Rs 32.35 per share. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: After long running speculations, the Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries on Wednesday made it official that has made strategic investment in and partnership with Den Networks Limited, Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited. Citing the development a ‘win-win’ outcome for customers, local cable operators and content producers, RIL stated that the transaction has been done to accelerate the rollout of JioGigaFiber to around 50 million homes across 1,100 cities. “Primary investment of Rs. 2,045 crore through a preferential issue under SEBI regulations and secondary purchase of Rs. 245 crore from the existing promoters for a 66% stake in Den Networks Limited (DEN),” said the official statement released by Reliance. “Primary investment of Rs. 2,940 crore through a preferential issue under SEBI regulations for a 51.3% stake in Hathway Cable and Datacom Limited (Hathway),” it added. The telecom major also said that it will make open offers in DEN and Hathway as well as for three subsidiary companies as required under SEBI takeover regulations. The development also informs that Hathaway will issue 90.8 crore shares to Reliance Jio at Rs 32.35 per share. Reliance and Jio aim to strengthen 27,000 LCOs that are aligned with DEN and Hathway. Under the development, Reliance Jio aims to bring JioGigaFiber which will offer: i. Ultra High Definition Entertainment on large screen TVs ii. Multi-Party Video Conferencing from the comfort of everyone’s living room iii. Artificial Intelligence, in the form of voice-activated virtual assistants, who obey every command of the consumer iv. Virtual Reality Gaming and Digital Shopping in a magical universe of immersive experiences v. Smart-Home Solutions, where hundreds of devices like security cameras, home appliances, even lights and switches, can be securely controlled by their owners, from both inside and outside their homes vi. Fixed Mobile Convergence, to offer end-to-end services on an integrated network As a result, consumers in India will have access to best-in-class services at par with the rest of the world, claims Reliance. “We are glad to join hands with Shri Rajan Raheja and Shri Sameer Manchanda, two of the pioneers in the MSO industry. Our investments in DEN and Hathway create a win-win-win outcome for the LCOs, customers, content producers and the eco-system,” said Reliance Industry Chairman Mukesha Ambani.