NEW DELHI: The Board of Zee Entertainment has given in-principal approval to the merger between Zee Entertainment and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) after several months of hectic deliberations. According to the deal, Sony Pictures Entertainment will infuse USD 1.575 billion in the merged entity. Punit Goenka will continue as MD & CEO of the merged entity. 


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While giving its in-principal nod to the deal, the ZEE Board said that it evaluated not only on financial parameters but also on the strategic value which the partner brings to the table.


The Board concluded that the "merger will be in the best interest of all the shareholders and stakeholders and it is in line with ZEEL’s strategy of achieving higher growth and profitability as a leading Media & Entertainment Company across South Asia.''


Post-merger between Zee Entertainment and Sony Pictures Networks India, 47.07% stake will be held by shareholders of Zee Entertainment, while Sony Pictures Networks will hold a 52.93% stake in the merged entity. The merged entity will be a publicly listed company.


Both companies have agreed to combine linear networks, digital assets, production operations and program libraries as part of the deal. Further, certain non-compete arrangements will be agreed upon between the promoters of ZEEL and the promoters of SPNI. 


The majority of the Board of Directors of the merged entity will be nominated by Sony Group, as per the deal.


ZEEL-Sony Pictures Networks India merger: Here are top highlights


-Zee Entertainment and Sony Pictures To Merge


-Board of Zee Entertainment has principally approved the merger between Zee -Entertainment and Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI)


-Sony Pictures Entertainment will infuse $1.575 Billion in the merged entity


-Punit Goenka to continue as MD & CEO of the merged entity


-Post-merger 47.07% stake will be held by shareholders of Zee Entertainment


-Sony Pictures Networks to hold a 52.93% stake in the merged entity


-Merged entity will be a publicly listed Company


-Both companies agree to combine linear networks, digital assets, production operations and program libraries


-ZEEL & SPNI enter into exclusive non-binding term sheet


-Companies to conduct due-diligence process over next 90 days


-Existing promoter family of Zee will have the option to increase shareholding from the current 4% to up to 20% in the normal course of business


-Majority of the Board of Directors of the merged entity will be nominated by Sony Group


Disclaimer: "Zeel is not our sister concern though our name sound similar, our owning company is Zee Media Corporation".