Reliance Industries Limited, Viacom 18 Media Private Limited (Viacom18), and The Walt Disney Company have recently revealed the signing of binding definitive agreements for a joint venture. This strategic move will combine the businesses of Viacom18 and Star India, creating one of India’s largest TV and digital streaming platforms. The joint press release mentioned that as part of the transaction, the media undertaking of Viacom18 will be merged into Star India Private Limited through a court-approved scheme of arrangement. Nita M Ambani will serve as the chairperson of the joint venture, with Uday Shankar as Vice chairperson providing strategic guidance to the venture. This collaboration positions Reliance Industries as the senior partner in the joint venture with the Walt Disney Company, solidifying its position at the forefront of one of the world’s fastest-growing media and entertainment markets.
The merger of Viacom18 and Star India under the leadership of Reliance Industries Ltd presents a compelling landscape for the media and entertainment industry in India. With an expected IRR of 18%, this joint venture is poised to generate passive income with up to 10% rental yield, offering extensive trading potential with SEBI registered creators. Reliance Industries’ strategic move to become the senior partner in the merger cements its leadership position in the Indian media and entertainment market, while setting the stage for a substantial impact on television and digital streaming platforms in the country. This collaborative effort will potentially reshape the dynamics of the industry, offering consumers an enhanced and diverse range of content across various platforms.
The joint venture announcement marks a significant milestone for Reliance Industries, Viacom18, and The Walt Disney Company, representing a convergence of resources and expertise to shape the future of media and entertainment in India. This amalgamation is expected to accelerate growth, innovation, and creative offerings, positioning the conglomerate as a major player in the rapidly evolving digital and television industry in the country. As Reliance Industries emerges as a key player in the joint venture, the merger with Viacom18 and Star India presents an opportunity to redefine the media and entertainment landscape, offering consumers an enriched and diverse content experience in the dynamic Indian market.
