The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the $8.5 billion merger between Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and Disney’s Indian media assets. The merger, subject to specific voluntary modifications, will create a new joint venture (JV) combining key media and entertainment assets.
Under the agreement, Reliance Industries will hold a 16.35% stake in the JV, Viacom18 will hold 46.82%, and Disney will retain a 36.84% stake. This merger will integrate Disney’s media assets in India with Reliance’s existing media operations, including those through its subsidiary, Viacom18.
The CCI’s approval follows a detailed review process aimed at evaluating the merger’s impact on market competition. The regulatory body has imposed certain conditions to address competition concerns, as detailed in an update posted on the social media platform X.
This merger will combine Disney’s media content with Reliance’s market presence, influencing the media and entertainment sector in India. The new JV is expected to reshape the market dynamics, leveraging the combined resources and content portfolios of the merging entities.
This is a developing story.