Walt Disney, Reliance To Merge Media Operations In India

The combined valuation of the merged entity stands at Rs 10,352 crore, with RIL and its subsidiary poised to hold a commanding 63.16% stake, while Disney will retain a 36.84% ownership

Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and The Walt Disney Company on have officially announced a landmark collaboration set to reshape India's media landscape. Through binding definitive agreements unveiled on Wednesday, the conglomerates have committed to forming a joint venture that will amalgamate the operations of Viacom18 and Star India, news agency PTI reported on Wednesday.

According to the joint statement released, Walt Disney and Reliance Industries have reached an accord to merge their media ventures within the Indian market. An investment of Rs 11,500 crore by Reliance is earmarked for this joint endeavour. The combined valuation of the merged entity stands at an impressive Rs 10,352 crore, with Reliance and its subsidiary poised to hold a commanding 63.16 per cent stake, while Disney will retain a substantial 36.84 per cent ownership.

Accoridng to report, Nita Ambani will be the chairperson of the JV, with Uday Shankar as vice-chairperson.

Of particular interest, Disney's minority stake in Tata Play Ltd adds a layer of intrigue to this collaboration. Local reports suggest that Reliance might be eyeing an acquisition of Tata Play, potentially further solidifying its foothold in the Indian media landscape.

Disney's expansion in India has faced challenges, particularly in subscriber retention and media asset coverage. In contrast, Reliance has steadily expanded its presence in the domestic media sector over recent years, positioning itself as a formidable player in the industry.

The competitive dynamics between Reliance and Disney were underscored in 2022 when Reliance secured exclusive streaming rights for the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket tournament, outbidding Disney. Additionally, in April of the same year, Reliance secured a multi-year agreement to broadcast HBO shows in India, further consolidating its position in the market.

The formation of this joint venture marks a significant development in India's media landscape, with Reliance, Walt Disney, and Viacom18 poised to shape the future of entertainment in the country.