TV18 and E18 merge with Network18, uniting TV and digital news businesses!

Network18 Media & Investments Ltd and TV18 Broadcast Limited disclosed a scheme of arrangement on December 6. The plan involves the merger of TV18 and e-Eighteen.com Limited (E18), the entity behind the moneycontrol website and app, with Network18. The merger aims to consolidate the TV and digital news businesses of the Network18 group into a unified entity, establishing India's largest platform-agnostic news media company with a comprehensive language footprint.

Consolidation for a Unified Media Powerhouse

Shareholders will now have the unique opportunity to engage in the media business of the group through a single listed entity. This move provides a chance for investors to be part of a unified and robust media company. The merged entity will comprise the TV portfolio of TV18, including 20 news channels in 16 languages and CNBCTV18.com, the digital assets of Network18, such as News18.com across 13 languages and Firstpost, along with the moneycontrol website and app.

Viacom18, with its portfolio featuring JioCinema and 40 TV channels, will become a direct subsidiary of Network18. Network18 will retain its investment in BookMyShow. This strategic alignment positions the merged entity to offer an unparalleled and integrated media experience to its audience.

Share Exchange Ratios

The appointed date for the merger, as outlined in the scheme of arrangement, is set for April 1. The share exchange ratio is specified in the scheme: for every 172 shares of TV18, shareholders will receive 100 shares of Network18. Similarly, for every share of E18, shareholders will be entitled to 19 shares of Network18.

As people and advertisers want more ways to access news and content, the merger of TV18, E18, and Network18 is like bringing everything under one roof. This means you get your news seamlessly on both TV and online platforms. By doing this, the companies can work more efficiently together, saving costs and making sure you get the best content. It's all part of Network18's plan to become even better in the media world, providing you with a powerful and versatile experience that keeps up with what you want in today's changing world.

Final Words

The merger of TV18, E18, and Network18 is a step towards creating a powerful and versatile media entity, ready to meet the evolving demands of the modern audience. The move reflects the strategic vision of the Network18 group to consolidate its media businesses into a unified, platform-agnostic entity, offering a seamless and integrated experience for shareholders, consumers, and advertisers alike.