India Approves $8.5B Disney-Reliance Merger, Creating Media Giant

The deal, subject to voluntary modifications, will form India's largest entertainment company, dominating cricket broadcasting and streaming services.

The merger brings together Reliance's Viacom18 and Disney's Star India, forming a new joint venture.
Indian regulators approved the deal after companies agreed to concessions on advertising rates and channel sales.
The merged entity will control major sports broadcasting rights, including cricket, Wimbledon, MotoGP, and EPL.
The new company will compete with Sony, Netflix, and Amazon in India's $28 billion media market.
Nita Ambani will chair the venture, expected to finalize within six months.