Sony may acquire Disney+ Hotstar and other Indian assets

Sony Pictures Entertainment, the global entertainment arm of Japan’s Sony Group, has reportedly held preliminary talks with Disney to acquire the media giant’s Indian assets. today’s business via The Mint (Publication protected by paywall.)

People familiar with the matter said the latest talks are for Sony in case the merger with G Entertainment Enterprises, which has been in the works for about two years, is further delayed or derailed. It’s an emergency plan. According to reports, if the Zee merger delay extends beyond December, Sony will proceed with negotiations with Disney.

The Sony-Gee merger will reportedly pave the way for a $10 billion entertainment conglomerate with more than 70 Indian television channels, movie studios and a vast catalog of films.

In September, it was reported that Disney was in the early stages of selling its Indian streaming and television business. Depending on the buyer, the deal could include the entire Disney Star business or a partial deal combining assets such as Disney+ Hotstar and sports rights.

Bloomberg News previously reported that Disney is considering a joint venture or outright sale of its streaming TV business in India after it lost streaming rights to the Indian Premier League cricket tournament to Paramount Global and Reliance subsidiary Viacom18 Media Corp. It was reported that the company is considering. Disney Star has IPL streaming rights remaining until 2027, but subscriber numbers are reportedly declining.

In addition to Sony, potential buyers include Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries, as well as billionaires Gautam Adani and Kalanithi Maran, who own New Delhi Television and Sun TV Network, respectively. person) is included. Negotiations are currently ongoing, but there is a possibility that no agreement will be reached.

Disney and Sony could not be reached for comment.