MUMBAI: Time Warner has approved the acquisition of NDTV Imagine Limited from NDTV Networks Plc. The acquisition will be made by Turner Asia Pacific Ventures and Imagine will become a key part of Turner’s operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Turner is investing a total of $126.5 million in this transaction, resulting in a 92% stake in Imagine. It includes the secondary purchase of an 87.4% stake in Imagine from NDTV Networks Plc and another minority shareholder, as well as a $50 million primary capital infusion for the funding of the business at the acquisition’s closing. The remaining 8% stake in Imagine will be held by the current management of Imagine, ESOP holders and NDTV Networks Plc. After the completion of the transaction, once regulatory approvals are received, Imagine will continue to be led by Sameer Nair as chief executive officer. Nair and the company’s existing core team will work in tandem with Turner’s senior management.
Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific president Steve Marcopoto said, "This acquisition marks another significant milestone in Turner’s business in India, and I’m particularly delighted to announce this deal as we celebrate 20 years in the Asia-Pacific region. India continues to be a key priority for us. Our accelerated pace of investment here underscores both our commitment to this dynamic market and our view of India’s compelling long-term potential. NDTV has created a first-class network that has been successful in catering to the needs of the entire spectrum of television audiences and we’re happy to leverage our expertise to help take the channel forward."
NDTV Limited chairman Dr. Prannoy Roy added, "NDTV welcomes Time Warner and Turner to Imagine. Time Warner is one of the world’s finest media organizations, while Imagine has an outstanding team and has built for itself a very solid base. Time Warner’s experience, expertise and resources will ensure that Imagine achieves its full potential in the near future. For NDTV, this marks the final stage and the successful conclusion of the restructuring of its subsidiary, NDTV Networks, plc. As a result of this restructuring, the NDTV Group will be in a position to be cash-surplus and debt-free on a consolidated basis."
