Disney plans $8.5bn merger for ailing India unit

The Walt Disney Company has announced plans to merge its struggling India unit with another major Indian media company in a deal worth $8.5 billion.

The move comes as Disney continues to face challenges in the Indian market, where it has struggled to compete with local media giants. The merger is seen as a strategic move to boost Disney’s presence in India and tap into the rapidly growing media and entertainment industry in the country.

Disney’s India unit has faced a number of setbacks in recent years, including declining viewership for its flagship channels and disappointing box office performance for its Bollywood productions. The merger is expected to help Disney revamp its operations in India and regain its competitive edge in the market.

Analysts believe that the merger could be a game-changer for Disney in India, allowing the company to leverage the strengths of its new partner and gain a stronger foothold in the Indian media landscape. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming months, pending regulatory approval.