Advanced Television

ZEE

Sony: “Zee merger will take more time”

Sony Group has said that the completion of the India merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) and Culver Max Entertainment, which is Sony Pictures Networks India, will take a few more months. The much-awaited merger was previously expected by the end of September. The Zee/Sony merger was approved by the National Company Law Tribunal […]

October 2, 2023By Chris Forrester

Zee, Sony merger could wrap by December

The much-anticipated $10 billion merger between Zee Entertainment (ZEEL) and Sony’s Indian broadcast assets should complete by December, say reports in India. The plan is for shareholders to get 85 shares of the merged entity for every 100 shares held in ZEEL after the merger. Shares of ZEEL will then be delisted and relisted after […]

September 22, 2023By Chris Forrester

ZEE FAST channels launch on Freeview UK

Zee Entertainment, in partnership with Global Distribution Services and Synapse TV, has launched its FAST channels Zee World, Zest, Zing and Zee Punjabi on Freeview channel 278, becoming the largest Asian TV network in the UK. The channels offer an array of content, ranging from lifestyle and entertainment to drama and regional programming. With ZEE […]

September 20, 2023

More problems in Sony-Zee merger

The latest allegations to hinder the long-awaited merger between Zee Entertainment and Sony’s India assets are that an ‘approval’ for the merger was illegal. Axis Finance has filed a petition to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) that the l National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) which approved the Zee-Sony merger made its decision in […]

September 19, 2023By Chris Forrester

India bars Zee MD from merger with Sony

India’s Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will complete its investigation into the case pertaining to Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd owners Subhash Chandra and Punit Goenka within 8 months, SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch said in a revised order. Until the investigation is complete, Chandra and Goenka will not hold any directorial positions in […]

August 16, 2023By Chris Forrester

Zee, Sony merger winning approval

The doubters who had grave concerns that the long-awaited merger in India of Zee and Sony/Culver Max would ever happen are beginning to change their doubts to support. The combined pair certainly have some considerable muscle. For example, they will offer 75 video channels, two OTT platforms and an impressive studio output. However, Disney’s Star […]

August 15, 2023

Zee, Sony merger gets regulatory approval

India’s National Company Law Tribunal has given its approval to the merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) and Sony’s India assets. The Tribunal accepted concessions from Zee and Sony Pictures Networks/Culver Max Entertainment which would reduce some of the regulatory concerns. The Tribunal issued its order approving the merger on August 10th. The merger between […]

August 11, 2023By Chris Forrester

Zee, Sony merger back on with changes

The merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL) and Sony Pictures Network India is back on track. Local reports say it should complete by around March 2024. However, the merger has beset by numerous challenges – not least allegations of financial misconduct and extremely close inspections by regulators and still running are investigations by the Securities […]

August 8, 2023By Chris Forrester

Zee, Sony merger: Tribunal pauses decision

India’s National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) is reserving its order on the controversial merger plan between Sony’s India division and Zee Enterprises. Sony’s local business is Culver Max Entertainment and has been planning a merger with Subhash Chandra-backed Zee Entertainment Enterprises (ZEEL). NCLT is pausing so that the two parties can make further submissions to […]

July 11, 2023By Chris Forrester

Sony, Zee merger still in the balance

India’s troubled broadcast merger between Sony’s India division and Zee Entertainment remains in a precarious position. A planned hearing by India’s Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT) which should have happened on June 26th was scrubbed. The hearing would have given an opportunity for Subhash Chandra, chairman of Essel Group, and Punit Goenka (pictured), MD and CEO […]

June 27, 2023By Chris Forrester