Network 18 Media has announced plans to acquire the remaining stake in IBN Lokmat News Private Limited (IBNL) for ₹25 crore, a move that will make IBNL its wholly-owned subsidiary. This strategic acquisition underscores Network18's commitment to strengthening its position in the regional news market, particularly in the Marathi-speaking segment.

Acquisition Details

The Board of Directors of Network18, in a meeting held on October 15, 2025, approved the acquisition of the following from Lokmat Media Private Limited:

• 86,25,000 equity shares
• 22,55,250 preference shares
• 1 debenture

This transaction will give Network18 complete ownership of IBNL, which operates the Marathi news channel News18 Lokmat, a leader in its segment.

Financial Implications

The acquisition, valued at ₹25 crore, will be an all-cash transaction. Network18 has stated that the deal is on an arm's length basis, with Ernst & Young Merchant Banking Services LLP providing an independent valuation for the transaction.

IBNL's Performance

IBNL has shown consistent growth in recent years, as evidenced by its operating revenue:

This upward trend in revenue highlights the channel's growing market presence and potential for future growth.

Strategic Significance

The acquisition aligns with Network18's strategy to consolidate its leadership in key markets. News18 Lokmat has already established itself as a leader in the Marathi news segment. By taking full ownership, Network18 aims to leverage this position to further strengthen its regional leadership and provide a seamless experience for Marathi consumers across TV and digital platforms.

Market Impact

This move is expected to enhance Network18's already substantial presence in the Indian media landscape. The company's portfolio of 20 channels, including 14 regional ones, reaches over 250 million people monthly, with a 13.5% all-India viewership share.

Completion Timeline

Network18 expects to complete the acquisition by the end of October 2025, subject to necessary approvals and conditions.

Conclusion

This strategic acquisition by Network18 Media & Investments reinforces its commitment to the regional news market and its position as a leading media conglomerate in India. As the media landscape continues to evolve, such moves to strengthen regional presence could play a crucial role in shaping the future of news delivery and consumption in the country.

Network 18 Media , a prominent player in the Indian media landscape, has reported a mixed bag of financial results for the quarter ended September 30, while also announcing a strategic acquisition.

Financial Performance

The company reported a consolidated profit of ₹41.25 crore for the second quarter, a significant improvement from the loss reported in the same quarter last year. This turnaround was primarily driven by the company's share of profit from associates and joint ventures, which stood at ₹120.62 crore for the quarter.

Network18's consolidated revenue from operations for Q2 was ₹497.81 crore, compared to ₹1,825.18 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. It's important to note that the substantial difference in revenue is due to the deconsolidation of certain subsidiaries in the previous fiscal year, making the figures not directly comparable.

Here's a breakdown of the key financial metrics for Q2:

The company's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) stood at ₹2.53 crore for the quarter, indicating a thin operating margin of 0.51%.

Standalone Performance

On a standalone basis, Network18 reported a revenue from operations of ₹477.18 crore for Q2, showing a 7.17% increase from ₹445.27 crore in the same quarter last year. However, the company recorded a loss before exceptional items of ₹70.12 crore for the quarter on a standalone basis.

Strategic Moves

The company announced a significant strategic move during the quarter. The Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of IBN Lokmat News Private Limited for ₹25 crore. This acquisition will make IBN Lokmat News a wholly-owned subsidiary of Network18, potentially strengthening the company's presence in the regional news segment.

Investment Revaluation

Network18 reported an exceptional gain of ₹587.01 crore for the half-year period ended September 30. This gain resulted from the fair valuation of its holding in Eenadu Television Private Limited (ETPL). It's worth noting that ETPL ceased to be an associate of Network18 from July 7, after the assignment of voting rights to ETPL's promoter. However, Network18 retains its economic interest in the 24.5% equity shares of ETPL.

Outlook

While the company has shown improvement in its bottom line, the significant reduction in revenue due to deconsolidation of subsidiaries presents a changed business landscape for Network18. The acquisition of IBN Lokmat News and the revaluation of its ETPL investment indicate that the company is actively managing its portfolio and seeking growth opportunities.

Investors and analysts will likely keep a close watch on how these strategic moves translate into financial performance in the coming quarters, especially in light of the evolving media and entertainment industry landscape in India.