The big merger in the entertainment industry is all but done. The wait is expected to be over soon. The deal for the merger of Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India and Viacom18 is likely to be announced in the third week of September, bringing down curtains to months of speculation, it is learnt.
The merger will not just boost efficiency but also exploit synergies, creating value for all stakeholders. The merger of three brands, which has been in the talks since the end of last year, will apparently create a single entity that would have a wide bouquet of offerings under their umbrella. The merged entity will together own 77 TV channels, two OTT platforms, three film studios and two digital content studios, making it a strong competitor for all major industry leaders.
The merged entity will be in a much stronger position post the finalisation of the deal, with their offerings across genres that will include not just Hindi entertainment but also genres like Hindi movies, sports and kids.
SPN is expected to be the major shareholder in the new scheme of things once the stakeholders have signed on the dotted lines. SPN, as per sources, will have anywhere between 51% and 55% stake in the combined entity and will also stand to benefit from the association in terms of strong distribution facilities from the house of Reliance.
