Disney wants to be part of India’s Entertainment Industry

Walt Disney Co., the second-largest U.S. media company, offered to buy a controlling stake in India 's UTV Software Communications Ltd. by buying new stock and some shares from minority holders totaling $371 million.

Photo: Disney wants to be part of India’s Entertainment Industry

Disney wants to be part of India’s Entertainment Industry

The Walt Disney Company is the third largest media and entertainment corporation in the world, second is Time Warner and first is News Corporation. Founded on October 16, 1923 by brothers Walt and Roy Disney as a small animation studio, it has become one of the biggest Hollywood studios, and owner of eleven theme parks and several television networks.Disney's corporate headquarters and primary production facilities are located in California at the Walt Disney Studios (Burbank).

UTV Software Communications Ltd. is an Indian Media and Entertainment Company. UTV's interests include Motion Pictures, Broadcasting, TV Content and Interactive (Animation and Gaming). It is listed on the Mumbai Stock Exchange along with the Motion Pictures business being listed on the AIM, London Stock Exchange. The Walt Disney Company had acquired 14.85 per cent in UTV at Rs 200 per share in August 2006. Ronnie Screwvala and associates currently control 30.67 per cent in UTV. Through its 100% subsidiary, UTV Communications has acquired a controlling stake (62.42%) in Indiagames from Tom Online Games. UTV had sold Hungama TV, its maiden foray into broadcasting, to Walt Disney for $30.5 million in 2006. In September Prime Focus took over UTV's post production facility, which was valued at $ 3 - 4 million.

Disney agreed to pay 8.05 billion rupees ($203 million) for 9.35 million new shares of UTV Software.

UTV Software gained as much as 10% on the Bombay Stock Exchange today, and was 22.5 rupees, or 2.6 percent, higher at 885 rupees at 10:06 a.m. local time. The stock more than tripled last year.

Walt Disney's purchase of the new shares will increase its holding in UTV Software to 32.1 percent from 14.9 percent, triggering a mandatory offer to buy at least a 20 percent stake from minority shareholders.

A controlling stake will give Disney entry into India 's entertainment industry, which is dominated by films and television. Among other movies, UTV co-produced ``The Namesake,'' directed by Mira Nair, last year and the just- released ``Jodhaa Akbar,'' a Hindi-language historical film.

Disney offered to buy 7.74 million shares, which amounts to a 20 % stake, from minority holders at 860.79 rupees a share, or 6.66 billion rupees.

If the offer is fully subscribed, Disney's stake in UTV Software will go up to 51.6 percent.

The offer, open from April 11 to April 30, is being managed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc.