Merger of Reliance Viacom 18 and Disney

The merger of Reliance’s Viacom18 and Walt Disney’s Star India have entered into a definite agreement to form a joint venture that would combine businesses of Viacomm and Star India.As part of the transaction, Media undertaking of Viacom18 would demerge into Star India through a court approved scheme. their digiral streaming and television assets in India.

In addition, RIL has agreed to invest at closing ₹11,500 crore (~US$ 1.4 billion) into the JV for its growth strategy.  The transaction values the JV at ₹70,352 crore (~US$ 8.5 billion) on a post-money basis, excluding synergies. Post completion of the above steps, the JV will be controlled by RIL and owned 16.34% by RIL, 46.82% by Viacom18 and 36.84% by Disney.

Demerger of QuessCorp

QuessCorp Limited   has announced a three way split (Mirror Image Demerger) subject to shareholder and regulatory approval. The new Quess Corp Ltd handle workforce management. Digitide Solutions Ltd will provide business process management solutions and insurtech, and Bluspring Enterprises Ltd will offer facility management, industrial services and investments.

As per the scheme, QuessCorp shareholders will receive 1 equity share of Digitide Solutions Limited and Bluespring enterprises Limited for each share held in QuessCorp Limited.

Merger of Rane Brake Lining Limited, Rane Engine Valve Limited into Rane (Madras) Limited

Chennai based Rane Group has announced the merger of Rane Brake Lining Ltd (RBL) and Rane Engine Valve Ltd. (REVL) into Rane (Madras) Ltd. (RML) to bring all operating businesses under a single entity, subject to regulatory and shareholder/creditor approvals.

As per the scheme, RBL shareholders will receive 21 equity shares of RML for 20 equity shares of RBL. Similarly REVL shareholders will receive 9 equity shares of RML for 20 equity shares of REVL held by them as on the record date.

CIEL group acquires Courseplay

Chennai based HR solutions provider CIEL Group has acquired Mumbai-based upskilling startup Courseplay for an enterprise value of $2 million in a mix of cash and share swap. Courseplay focuses on skill-based employee development for market leaders in diverse sectors and serves more than a million employees globally. The company offers a 360-degree approach, integrating on-the-job, social and formal learning for large corporations and startups. CIEL plans to strengthen its HRTech offering through the integration of Courseplay with its platforms like ProSculpt, HfactoR, Jombay and CielJobs.

Preschool operator Kido International acquires Amelio (5/03/2024)

Kido International, a UK headquartered chain bringing future-proof early years' education to children in India, US, UK, and China has announced its acquisition of Amelio Early Education, one of India's leading preschool and daycare operators. This strategic acquisition positions Kido as one of India's few non-franchised players in the Indian early childhood education market, offering parents and families access to its award-winning pedagogy and world-class operating standards. Amelio Early Education was incorporated in 2008, has 30 centres across Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, with several locations dedicated to serving corporates for their employees' childcare needs.

Juspay acquires Lotuspay to enhance recurring payment capabilities

Based on newspaper articles, SoftBank-backed payments infrastructure firm Juspay has acquired LotusPay in an all-cash deal. Bengaluru-based Juspay provides payments solutions for leading companies in various sectors such as BFSI, ecommerce, travel, fintech, airlines etc. The acquisition strengthens Juspay’s offerings to the BFSI segment and merchants, with a focus on enhancing its recurring payment capabilities. LotusPay specialises in NACH debit, and provides cloud-based software for merchants and banks.

Thyrocare acquires Think Health

Diagnostic and preventive healthcare service provider Thyrocare announced acquisition of a 100 per cent stake in Chennai-based Think Health Diagnostics pursuant to a share purchase agreement. This transaction marks Thyrocare's entry into the domain of @home ECG services. With this strategic acquisition, Thyrocare will expand its footprint in the pre-policy medical check-up segment for the insurance market. This allows them to offer insurance partners a one-stop solution for both blood tests and ECGs, deepening their presence in the annual health check-up and pre-policy check-up markets.

Bandhan Financial acquires digital insurance firm Aegon India

Bandhan Financial Holdings (BFHL), Holding Company of Bandhan Bank has completed acquisition of Aegon Life Insurance (held by Aegon India Holding B.V. and Bennett, Coleman & Company limited), a digital life insurance company, marking a strategic move into the insurance market.

Gokaldas Exports acquires apparel business of Matrix Clothing

Gokaldas Exports has signed an agreement with Matrix Clothing Pvt Ltd for acquisition of its 100% share capital for an enterprise value of Rs.489 crore. Matrix Clothing is a clothing manufacturer and has an international presence in Europe, the UK aand North America. With this acquisition, Gokaldas Exports would receive access to knit apparel business segments along with mutual global customer base and low-cost capacity expansion potential in the future.