Reliance and Disney join forces in $8.5B India media merger

Reliance Industries and Walt Disney have unveiled plans to merge their TV and streaming assets in India, crafting an $8.5B joint venture that towers over the competition.

• Massive Investment: Reliance is pouring $1.4B into the venture, securing a substantial 63% stake. Disney will own the remaining shares, marking a collaboration between these titans.

• Strategic Move for Disney: This merger comes as a strategic pivot for Disney, looking to staunch the flow of users leaving its struggling streaming service in India and to alleviate the financial pressure from expensive cricket broadcasting rights.

• Valuation Shifts: The deal significantly reshapes the valuation landscape, pegging Disney's India business at around $3B, a steep drop from its $15B valuation in 2019. However, potential synergies could bump this figure to $4.3B.

• Entertainment Powerhouse: Together, Reliance and Disney will command 120 TV channels, two streaming platforms, and critical cricket broadcasting rights—creating a veritable sports and entertainment behemoth.

Nita Ambani is slated to chair the board, with former Disney executive Uday Shankar as vice chair, ensuring a leadership team with deep industry knowledge and expertise.