Reliance Industries in talks to acquire 30% stake in Tata Play: Report

Just weeks before the finalization of the much-anticipated Disney-Reliance merger, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire a significant stake in Tata Play, formerly known as Tata Sky, from its merger partner Walt Disney. 

According to a report by Business Standard newspaper, Reliance Industries has expressed interest in purchasing approximately 29.8 percent of Tata Play, currently held by Disney, marking a potential landmark collaboration between the Tata Group and Ambani’s conglomerate.

The proposed collaboration holds promising prospects for both parties, with implications that could reverberate across India’s media and entertainment landscape. If successful, the deal could herald a new era of synergy, potentially facilitating a substantial boost for JioCinema, Reliance’s streaming platform, by offering its extensive content library to Tata Play customers.

Presently, Tata Sons holds a majority stake of 50.2 percent in Tata Play, while Walt Disney holds around 30 percent of the company’s shares, with the remaining stake owned by Temasek, a Singapore-based fund. Disney’s initial plan to divest its shares in Tata Play during the DTH firm’s IPO was thwarted by the postponement of the listing, prompting the entertainment giant to explore alternative exit strategies.

Bankers are said to be actively assessing the valuation of Disney’s stake in Tata Play, which not only provides satellite television services but also grants access to video streaming platforms. However, there are no official statements from Reliance, Tata Play, or Disney regarding the matter. 

The potential acquisition aligns with Reliance’s overarching ambition to fortify its foothold in India’s thriving $28-billion media and entertainment sector. With diverse interests spanning television channels and digital streaming services through its media subsidiary Viacom18, Reliance is poised to capitalize on synergistic opportunities that could emerge from a collaboration with Tata Play.