Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has successfully completed its merger with Walt Disney’s India operations, creating a colossal media joint venture valued at Rs.70,352 crore ($8.5 billion). This merger aims to revolutionize India’s entertainment landscape, combining an extensive portfolio of TV channels, sports rights, and digital streaming platforms.
The new entity will be one of India’s largest media companies, controlling over 100 TV channels and two leading OTT platforms—JioCinema and Hotstar. The merged company, with an estimated pro forma revenue of Rs.26,000 crore for FY 2024, will offer unparalleled content choices for Indian viewers, bolstered by a viewer base of 750 million across the nation.
Reliance holds a controlling 63.16% stake in the venture, which includes contributions from Viacom18, with Disney maintaining a 36.84% share. Reliance’s significant investment of Rs.11,500 crore will support the growth of the OTT business, enhancing its digital content offering.
Nita Ambani will lead the JV, with Uday Shankar as Vice Chairperson, reshaping India’s media ecosystem through TV, sports, and streaming. This strategy will help solidify their presence in India’s competitive media industry.