The Board of Directors of Network18 Media & Investments Limited has approved a Scheme of Amalgamation to merge its wholly-owned subsidiary, News18 Marathi Private Limited, into the parent company. The appointed date for this merger is set for April 1, 2026. Since this involves a wholly-owned subsidiary, no consideration will be paid, resulting in no change to the existing shareholding pattern. The move aims to consolidate the operations of the Marathi news channel.
Board Sanctions Scheme of Amalgamation
Network18 Media & Investments Limited announced on 25 March 2026 that its Board of Directors has approved a Scheme of Amalgamation under the Companies Act, 2013. The scheme involves the amalgamation of News18 Marathi Private Limited, formerly known as “IBN Lokmat News Private Limited,” directly into the parent Company.
Appointed Date and Rationale
The effective date, or the appointed date, for the Scheme of Amalgamation is set to commence at the opening business hours of April 1, 2026. The primary motivation behind this merger is the Company’s desire to consolidate the operations of its Marathi news channel, News18 Marathi, directly under the main entity.
The Company currently broadcasts general news channels in multiple languages, alongside business news channels and a digital portfolio. News18 Marathi is responsible for operating the Marathi news channel.
Transaction Details and Financial Impact
Because this is a merger involving a wholly-owned subsidiary, the transaction is considered a related party transaction conducted at arm’s length. Crucially, no consideration will be paid to the subsidiary, either in cash or by the issuance of new shares. Consequently, there will be no resultant change in the current shareholding pattern of Network18 Media & Investments Limited.
Financial Position as of March 31, 2025
The announcement provided a snapshot of the turnover and total assets for both entities as of the close of the previous financial year (March 31, 2025):
Financial Summary (in Rs. crore)
- Company (Network18): Turnover of 2,206.87 and Total Assets of 8,317.51.
- News18 Marathi: Turnover of 43.02 and Total Assets of 19.92.
Regulatory Status
The Scheme of Amalgamation remains subject to all necessary statutory and regulatory approvals before it can be fully implemented. The Board meeting that approved this proposal concluded at 5:30 pm on the date of the announcement.
Source: BSE
