Times Group heads for a split

Times Group heads for a split

The split is reportedly due to differences between Jain brothers.

Mumbai: Times Group, an Indian media company, is headed for a split reportedly due to growing differences between brothers Sameer and Vineet Jain on how to run the business, the media industry is abuzz with speculations.

People wonder how the two brothers will bifurcate the conglomerate which has over the years expanded its footprint across newspapers, television, radio, digital, movies, music, outdoor advertising, education and more.

Though the speculations were rife since the demise of their mother and erstwhile chairman of the group Indu Jain in 2021, insiders say the separation of the brothers looks inevitable now.

People privy to the matter claim that assets of the company have undergone an elaborate evaluation process but due to the complexities involved the brother couldn't arrive at a consensus. They are reportedly looking at a mediation for a smooth split of the conglomerate which is a web of around 70 entities, including Times Internet Ltd. (TIL).

TIL also operates Times Card, Times Jobs, MensXP, IDiva, Speaking Tree, Cricbuzz.com, Times Prime, ET Money etc. and has been engaged in the business of providing online and offline services including selling of print advertorials/advertisement.

A media report claimed, “Two mediators have been appointed to oversee this mediated auction. This includes Sunil Bharti Mittal, the billionaire chairman of telecoms operator Bharti Airtel, and a member of the Dalmia family, which owned BCCL in the 1950s before handing the company over to the Jains."

Samir Jain is older to Vineet by 10 years and serves as the vice chairman of BCCL, while Vineet Jain is the managing director. Jain brothers are reportedly distant apart from each other when it comes to business acumen, lifestyle and vision for the company.