Top Trending Acquisitions & Mergers News & Highlights
This Diwali, OOH ad sales increase by 20%, while data-driven campaigns increase DOOH share by 24%.
This year's Diwali brilliance extended beyond diyas and fireworks, illuminating billboards, computer screens, and Indian cityscapes. Brands transformed the outdoors into a canvas of color, emotion, and commerce by painting the streets with joyous tales in both Tier-II communities and busy metropolises. The outcome? For the Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising sector in India, this was one of the busiest holiday seasons to date. Due to early holiday planning, daring creative executions, and a swift transition to digital and data-led outdoor solutions, the industry saw impressive double-digit growth as consumer sentiment skyrocketed and advertiser confidence returned in full force.The OOH sector has grown significantly over this holiday season, which is indicative of both the restored vigor in consumer markets and economic optimism. Vaishal Dalal, co-founder of Excellent Publicity, emphasized this momentum and noted that the industry's growth trajectory is still strong. This holiday season, the OOH sector has experienced strong double-digit growth. OOH advertising revenues increased steadily across the country, from ₹4,140 crore in 2023 to ₹4,650 crore in 2024, and are expected to surpass ₹5,200 crore in 2025. The entire OOH ad expenditure increased by more than 15–20% year over year during Diwali, thanks to robust seasonal campaigns in industries including retail, FMCG, consumer durables, automotive, and BFSI."Internal estimates indicate a ~40% YoY increase in Diwali-related OOH bookings at Excellent Publicity, surpassing the industry average," he added. Early festive planning, strong advertiser confidence, and nearly full occupancy across premium billboard sites were credited with this spike.Vikas Nowal, CEO of Interspace Communications, echoed this pattern, stating that the company also experienced a notable Christmas bump. Our OOH company has performed well throughout the Diwali holiday season this year, with a projected 20% increase in sales over the previous year. Higher consumer involvement and greater advertising confidence throughout the festival period are reflected in this uptick," he continued. With companies aiming for both quantifiable engagement and widespread effect, both leaders concur that the OOH medium has become one of the most dependable and prominent options for festive storytelling.
Published 21 Oct 2025 07:55 PM
To improve hybrid cloud services, CCI approves Capgemini's complete acquisition of Singapore-based Cloud4C.
In order to strengthen its hybrid cloud and AI-driven enterprise products, the French IT giant, which has a sizable delivery base in India, had announced the deal in August.The request by French IT services giant Capgemini to fully purchase Singapore-based Cloud4C was accepted by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) on Tuesday.The move followed Capgemini's announcement in August of this year that it had inked a deal to buy Cloud4C, a pioneer in hybrid cloud platform services.According to an announcement from CCI, the proposed combination is related to Capgemini SE's purchase of all shares of Cloud4C Services Pte Ltd (Target 1) and Cloud4C Services Pvt Ltd (Target 2). The Capgemini group's ultimate parent company is Capgemini SE. In a post on X, the regulator stated, "Commission approves proposed acquisition of Cloud4C Services Pte Ltd and Cloud4C Services Pvt Ltd by Capgemini SE."Capgemini, a prominent multinational in consulting, digital transformation, technology, and engineering services, has its headquarters in Paris. One of the company's biggest delivery bases worldwide is India, where it is well-represented.
Published 15 Oct 2025 05:23 PM
Why the largest automakers in the world are reconsidering their
The electric vehicle (EV) boom is slowing down globally. As governmental changes, costs, and consumer reluctance redefine the industry's future, major automakers are reducing their production and adopting hybrids after years of bold all-electric commitments.Although growth will be uneven, EVs will account for one in four worldwide auto sales this year, according to BloombergNEF's annual Electric Vehicle Outlook report. With more than half of all new automobiles sold in China being electric, the U.S. and Europe are facing declining demand and political unpredictability. In the meantime, reasonably priced EVs are driving historic growth in emerging economies like Vietnam and Thailand.Automakers are shifting their tactics to include hybrids and plug-in hybrids after previously promising entirely electric lines. A reconsideration is being compelled by declining sales, exorbitant battery prices, and inadequate infrastructure for charging. 1. A slower rate of consumer acceptance Mass-market consumers are still wary about EVs, despite early adopters' enthusiastic embrace. Enthusiasm has been tempered by range concern, expensive upfront costs, and uneven charging infrastructure, particularly in nations with weak charging networks or growing electricity bills. 2. Expensive batteries and a lack of materials The price of lithium, nickel, and cobalt—essential components of EV batteries—has fluctuated. Profit margins have been squeezed by this unpredictability, which has also reduced the financial appeal of EV production. Costs are still high when compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid vehicles, even with the emergence of local battery plants. 3. Gaps in charging infrastructure The charging network is still sporadic outside of China and several regions of Europe. Long charging durations and a lack of fast-charging stations continue to deter consumers in the US and India. Automakers are concerned about generating EVs more quickly than the infrastructure can handle.
Published 14 Oct 2025 09:20 PM
SBI looks to focus on deal financing within its own territory, as a draft regulation from the RBI proposes an even playing field for Indian banks
The State Bank of India (SBI), which has long funded the overseas acquisitions of Indian companies, believes it is prepared to support domestic mergers and acquisitions (M&As) as the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) looks into the possibility of allowing domestic lenders to do so.“Our outbound M&A financing involves Indian corporations acquiring foreign entities. Banks such as SBI possess extensive knowledge of acquisition financing,” C.S. Setty, chairman of the largest lender in the country, informed reporters during the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai on Wednesday.Amitabh Chaudhry, the managing director and CEO of Axis Bank, stated on Tuesday that his bank aims not only to take part but also to challenge foreign banks that have been funding these acquisitions for several years, offering them “a run for their money.”On 1 October, in the course of detailing its review of monetary policy, the RBI unveiled a draft framework aimed at allowing domestic banks to underwrite acquisition financing for Indian corporates—something that has been desired by the banking sector for a long time. Regulatory constraints had effectively prohibited Indian banks from providing loans for share purchases in acquisition deals up to this point. Foreign banks, non-bank financial institutions, bond markets, and private equity largely took on those tasks.As the RBI aims to revise the regulations, domestic banks might soon benefit from a level playing field that is conditioned on safeguards, credit limits, and oversight standards. Market participants think this action could reveal value in the corporate funding life cycle. “Im Zuge des Geschäftsjahres 2024 beliefen sich die Werte von M&A-Transaktionen auf mehr als 120 Milliarden US-Dollar (ungefähr ₹10 lakh crore bzw. trillion). As per a note from SBI Research Ecowrap following the RBI's announcement regarding draft rules, if we consider that the debt component accounts for 40% of M&A and that banks could finance 30% of this, it results in a possible credit growth of ₹1.2 lakh crore.
Published 09 Oct 2025 04:27 PM
Acquisitions & Mergers
Acquisitions & Mergers are the latest trend in the globe.
Worldpay is sold by FIS to GTCR for $18.5b.
In one of the biggest corporate carve-outs in history, US financial technology company Fidelity National Information Services has agreed to sell private equity firm GTCR the bulk of its merchant payments division, Worldpay. The transaction is valued at up to $18.5 billion. After telling investors in February that it intended to spin off the unit to stockholders, FIS changed its strategy and would now maintain a 45% ownership in Worldpay in addition to receiving net proceeds of $11.7 billion. The Florida-based business announced on Thursday that it will use the money to finance share buybacks and debt repayment. The Chicago-based GTCR is expected to invest over $5 billion in Worldpay, with a valuation of approximately $4.5 billion for FIS's 45 percent equity stake, as per individuals acquainted with the situation. According to people familiar with the situation, a syndicate of lenders led by Goldman and JPMorgan will raise $8.4 billion in debt to finance the private equity firm's acquisition. UBS, Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are also involved in the funding. Chief executive Stephanie Ferris stated in a statement, "This transaction provides certainty for all stakeholders and allows FIS to partially monetarilyze our merchant solutions business at an attractive valuation." GTCR has a history of investing in the payments industry; in 2010, it even sold a company to Worldpay for a price over $1 billion. According to those with knowledge of the situation, Thursday's transaction is the biggest in the company's history.
PVR merger with Inox Leisure
PVR Pictures, a prominent multiplex operator, has merged with Inox Leisure to become PVR INOX Pictures. The multiplex chain operator had indicated a few days prior that it would be closing some of its screens due to accelerated depreciation on the theatres that were being considered for closure. Following the merging of PVR and Inox Leisure, PVR Pictures is now known as PVR INOX Pictures. Until the conclusion of FY23, the combined company will be running 361 theatres with 1,689 screens over 115 cities in Sri Lanka and India. The PVR Group's film production and distribution division was known as PVR Pictures. In a statement released on Wednesday, PVR INOX Pictures stated that it plans to raise its content acquisition expenditures for the Indian market and create more chances for independent artists and underrepresented storytellers. "With a wider screen network, it will expand its programming and marketing capabilities and create highly innovative experiences, bringing significant value to its partners as well as to its customers," stated the statement. In 2007, the business successfully debuted as a film producer with Taare Zameen Par and Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na. Following the merging of PVR Ltd and INOX Leisure, two well-known movie theatre brands, PVR-INOX Ltd was established. The merger went into effect on February 6, 2023.
At USD 10.5 billion, the largest acquisition ever made in India's infrastructure and materials sectors
Ahmedabad, India, May 15, 2022: The Adani Family stated that it has finalised arrangements to purchase the whole interest of Switzerland-based Holcim Ltd in two of India's top cement companies, ACC Ltd. and Ambuja Cements Ltd., through an offshore special purpose company. Holcim owns 54.53% of ACC (of which 50.05% is held through Ambuja Cements) and 63.19% of Ambuja Cements through its subsidiaries. With a value of about USD 10.5 billion for the Holcim holding and open offer consideration for Ambuja Cements and ACC, this is both the largest acquisition by Adani and the largest M&A deal in the infrastructure and materials sector in India. "Thanks to Holcim's global leadership in cement production and sustainability best practices, we can accelerate the transition to greener cement production," Mr. Adani continued. Additionally, two of the most well-known brands in India are ACC and Ambuja Cements. Our footprint in the production of renewable energy gives us a significant advantage in the decarbonisation process, which is essential for the manufacturing of cement. With all of our skills combined, I have no doubt that we will be able to create the greenest and most sustainable cement production methods possible, ones that will either match or surpass international standards. "I am thrilled that the Adani Group is taking over our Indian company to spearhead its next phase of expansion," stated Mr.Jan Jenisch, CEO of Holcim Limited
HDFC Bank to sell its whole 9.95 percent equity stake at ₹600.36 per equity share to Softcell Technologies Global Private Limited (STGPL).
For a value of ₹9.94 crore, HDFC Bank has signed an agreement to sell its whole 9.95 percent equity ownership in Softcell Technologies Global Private Limited (STGPL) at ₹600.36 per equity share. Founded on September 6, 2018, STGPL is a company that sells software, related services, and IT items. The company reported a net profit of ₹11.33 crore for FY22, with a turnover (operating income) of ₹584.42 crore. According to the bank's regulatory filing, the deal is expected to be completed by the end of February. According to the filing, STGPL is a shareholder of HDFC Investments Limited, a promoter group entity of the Bank.
For ₹174 crore, Saregama will purchase the bulk of Pocket Aces.
The digital entertainment company Pocket Aces Pictures Pvt Ltd has seen a majority acquisition by Saregama, a music label controlled by the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, according to a statement from the company. For ₹174 crore, Saregama will purchase 51.8% of the shares, with a clear path to purchase an additional 41% of the shares at pre-agreed multiples over the following 15 months. This is an all-cash transaction. Saregama has revealed that it will pay ₹174 crore in cash to purchase a 51.8% share in Pocket Aces Pictures Private Ltd., a provider of digital entertainment. The corporation stated that it would purchase an additional 41% of the company within the next 15 months at pre-arranged multiples. The vice chairperson of Saregama, Avarna Jain, stated in a statement that this acquisition represents the meeting point of innovation and heritage. Although we have always been industry leaders in music and media, this collaboration with Pocket Aces will open up new revenue opportunities for us as we reach the growing youth digital audience.
Sonata Finance is expected to be acquired by Kotak Mahindra for ₹537 crore.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given Kotak Mahindra Bank permission to acquire Sonata Finance, a microlender, for a sum of Rs 537 crore. The RBI has allowed Kotak to make Sonata its business correspondent subsidiary, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary of the bank. Through the acquisition, Kotak will be able to further establish itself in northern India's semi-urban and rural areas. Sonata has Rs 1,903 crore . In a notification to the exchanges, Kotak Mahindra Bank stated that Sonata will become a fully owned subsidiary of the bank upon the completion of the deal (subject to obtaining other necessary approvals). Subject to the necessary clearances, including the RBI's, the bank had entered into share-purchase agreements with the shareholders of Sonata Finance, an NBFC-MFI, in February with the aim of purchasing a 100% stake for ~537 crore. In a notification to the exchanges, Kotak Mahindra Bank stated that Sonata will become a fully owned subsidiary of the bank upon the completion of the deal (subject to obtaining other necessary approvals). Subject to the necessary clearances, including the RBI's, the bank had entered into share-purchase agreements with the shareholders of Sonata Finance, an NBFC-MFI, in February with the aim of purchasing a 100% stake for ~537 crore.
Sobek Auto to be acquired by CarTrade Tech for ₹537 crore
CarTrade Tech, an online vehicle classifieds platform, announced on Monday that it has signed an agreement to buy Sobek Auto India for a reported ₹537 crore. Sobek operates an online classifieds company in addition to an automotive digital platform. CarTrade Tech announced in a regulatory filing that the business has engaged into a share purchase agreement to purchase a 100% ownership in Sobek from OLX India BV, subject to the fulfilment of certain requirements. According to the company, the acquisition is a step towards its strategic goals of making investments that will complement CarTrade Tech's current commercial operations. On June 30, 2023, Sobek purchased the online classifieds company from OLX India in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the business transfer agreement.
The Adani Group buys the bulk of IANS News Agency
Adani Group announced on last Friday that it has purchased a 50.50 percent ownership in news agency IANS India Private Limited through its fully owned subsidiary, AMG Media Networks Limited (AMNL). According to the Share Purchase Agreement dated December 15, 2023, this majority stake is made up of Equity Shares (Category I shares with voting rights) and Equity Shares (Category II shares without voting rights) of IANS India Private Limited (IANS), each, the company announced through an exchange filing. Adani first entered the media industry in March of last year when it bought Quintillion Business Media, the company behind the digital news platform BQ Prime for business and finance. After that, in December, it acquired over 65% of the broadcaster NDTV. According to the petition, AMNL would have complete operational and managerial control over IANS, and it will also have the authority to name all of the organization's directors. IANS is currently an AMNL subsidiary as a result of the aforementioned acquisition." Adani, a first-generation businessman, began his career as a commodities trader in 1988 before growing his company to become the biggest private infrastructure player in India, owning 13 ports and 8 airports. Its operations have expanded over time to include the production of coal, energy distribution, data centers, and, more recently, cement and copper. In order to establish a private network, it even placed a bid and won the 5G telecom spectrum.
Vodafone Idea and Team Vitality form a strategic partnership to advance the expansion of Indian esports
The State of India Gaming Report 2022 projects that by 2027, the Indian esports market will be worth $140 million. Esports as a category have been more well-known in recent years, particularly when they were first offered as legitimate medal sports on numerous international sports platforms. Vodafone Idea (Vi), one of India's top telecom providers, and Paris-based Team Vitality, a globally recognized esports organization, have announced a long-term partnership to strengthen the esports ecosystem in India in an effort to capitalize on this expanding consumer segment.The two brands hope to provide possibilities and exposes to both esports fans and gaming aficionados with this first-of-its-kind relationship. The agreement covers a wide range of activities, including gaming events, content partnerships, brand sponsorship, and one-of-a-kind experiences on an unprecedented scale. Vi clients will be able to take part in esports and get special access to some of the well-liked Teams Vitality competitions and teams as a result. Through this agreement, aspiring esports athletes from all around the nation will have access to professional players, master courses, meet-and-greets with esports talent, and a plethora of other chances. Vi is well-known for having a significant presence in the mobile gaming market and providing consumers with access to a large selection of ultra-casual games on Vi Games.Avneesh Khosla, CMO of Vi, commented on the affiliation, saying, "We have consistently worked to expand our gaming portfolio through appropriate partnerships and pertinent offerings. Gaming has always been our strategic focus area." Vi Games made sense to expand its focus in this area as esports, particularly among younger viewers, have transformed the mobile gaming landscape in recent years. We are thrilled to be working with Team Vitality, one of the top esports companies globally. Our joint goal is to promote and democratize India's esports industry. We'll be introducing some thrilling esports and other material geared toward young people in the upcoming months for our customers to enjoy. Speaking about the event Team Vitality's managing director, Randall Fernandez
