Star India’s merger with RIL's Viacom18: How Disney's financials may get a lift

The proposed merger between Star India and Viacom18, approved by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), will benefit Walt Disney by alleviating financial strains from its Indian operations. After the merger, Disney will hold a 37% stake in the new entity, while Reliance Industries will control 56% and Bodhi Tree Systems will have 7%. This shift means Disney won't need to report Indian financial losses, which have impacted its global performance. Star India's sports and streaming ventures, including costly IPL and ICC media rights, have contributed to heavy losses, whereas Disney's ESPN remains profitable.