US's media giant Turner will acquire Prannoy Roy-promoted NDTV's entertainment channel Imagine for about Rs546 crore, a deal that will help the Indian media group turn debt-free.
While NDTV's 76% stake in NDTV Imagine would be given to Turner for $67 million (about Rs314 crore), the Time Warner company would acquire fresh equity worth $50 million to get 92% control of the entertainment channel launched last year.
The deal is expected to help NDTV tide over a financial crisis, as is reflected in the Rs86 crore loss posted by the group during the quarter ending September 2009.
“Turner International has signed an agreement in principle to acquire 92% of NDTV Imagine, subject to regulatory and Time Warner Board,” Turner International India Pvt Ltd managing director Anshuman Misra said in a statement here.
“This deal will enable NDTV to become debt free at the consolidated level. It will also provide NDTV Imagine with enough funds for operations,” NDTV Networks chief executive officer Vikram Chandra told PTI.
NDTV had debts of Rs112 crore as of March 31, this year.
Shares of NDTV Ltd closed at Rs164.95, up 3.35% on the BSE. As part of the deal, NDTV, through its subsidiary NDTV Networks, will sell its 76% stake in NDTV Imagine.
NDTV Networks will retain 5% stake in the general entertainment channel before the issue of fresh shares. The company said the deal is subject to approval of Turner Asia Pacific Venture's parent Time Warner Inc.
Industry sources say the move is part of a four-stage restructuring plan being undertaken by the city-based broadcaster.
Last month, the media conglomerate said it will sell 69% stake in its lifestyle programming subsidiary NDTV Lifestyle, which runs NDTV GoodTimes, to US based Scripps Networks for $55 million.
In another move, the company had bought back bonds for $72.4 million to reduce outstanding borrowings and cut down on interest burden.
In October, NDTV had also bought back NBC Universal's 26% stake in its subsidiary NDTV Networks to consolidate its position.
Source: DNA India