ZMCL to demerge print biz into DMCL, list; approves new home shopping channel

ZMCL to demerge print biz into DMCL, list; approves new home shopping channel

DNA

MUMBAI: The board of directors of ZMCL has inter alia approved a draft of Scheme of Arrangement and Amalgamation for demerger of print media undertaking of the company into Diligent Media Corporation Limited (DMCL), merger of Mediavest India Private Limited and Pri Media Services Private Limited into DMCL and merger of Maurya TV Private Limited with the Company. As a part of the Scheme, the equity shares of DMCL shall be listed on stock exchanges.

Newspaper Launch: The Network launched the Delhi edition of DNA on 11 October 2016.

DNA launched with a promise. “We won’t compromise on the quality and integrity of journalism. You won’t find a story where we have sold our soul to make money and sold it to you as news,” wrote the editor-in-chief of the newspaper on the front page of the first issue of the 32-page paper priced at Rs 10. He further promised that the spanking new newspaper will change the rules of the game. DNA’s Delhi debut has, interestingly, took the media fraternity, including top media buyers at advertising agencies, by surprise.

Delhi is a bigger print media market than Mumbai. Of Rs 5,100 crore invested into advertising in newspapers in Delhi and Mumbai, 60% goes into print brands in the capital. The English print market in Delhi is estimated to be at Rs 1,700 crore.

Acquisition: Subsequent to September 30, 2016, the company has acquired 49 per cent stake in Today Merchandise Private Limited and Today Retail Network Private Limited and the Board of Directors today approved in-principle launch of a Home Shopping channel by the company.