Zee-Sony merger to come into effect in 8-10 months; sports bidding will be key
The merger between Zee Entertainment and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) that was announced on December 22 will take at least 8 months to close. Punit Goenka, who will lead the combined company as its Managing Director and CEO, said that the entire merger process along with approvals will take eight to 10 months.
Even on the streaming side, Goenka said that the two over the top (OTT) platforms ZEE5 and SonyLIV will continue to run their businesses independently. "We cannot come together until the merger process is completed," he said. We will be considering bidding for sports rights whether IPL or other property as we have taken a conscious decision to enter sports. We will be aggressive in sports acquisitions independently as well as (with) the merged company but keeping prudence in mind," said Goenka.