In short, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance is in talks to buy Disney’s India operations, with a potential merger of media units and Disney retaining a minority stake.
Asia’s richest tycoon, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., is getting close to a cash and stock deal to acquire Walt Disney Co.’s India operations.
Disney is looking to sell a controlling stake in its Disney Star business, valuing it around $10 billion, while Reliance sees it as worth between $7 billion and $8 billion.
The deal may be announced next month, and there could be a merger of some of Reliance’s media units into Disney Star.
Disney is likely to retain a minority stake in the Indian company after the transaction. However, no final decision has been made, and Disney might choose to hold onto the assets a bit longer.
This move showcases Mukesh Ambani’s impact on India’s entertainment industry, following Reliance’s acquisition of streaming rights for the Indian Premier League and a multi-year pact to broadcast HBO shows in India.
