Disney exploring strategic options for its India biz including JV, and sale

Walt Disney is exploring strategic options for its Star India business, including a joint venture or a sale, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The company has talked to at least one bank about ways to help the India business grow, while sharing some of the costs, according to the report.

The talks are in the early stages and it is unclear which options, if any, Disney might pursue, WSJ said.

Disney’s India business comprises Disney+ Hotstar streaming service and Star India, which it took over when it acquired the entertainment assets of 21st Century Fox in 2019.

Star’s overall revenue for the fiscal year ending September 2023 is expected to drop around 20per cent to slightly less than $2 billion, according to WSJ. Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization is expected to fall roughly 50per cent for that period, from about $200 million last year.

Hotstar is expected to lose 8 million to 10 million subscribers in its fiscal third quarter, the report added. Business Standard