Reliance-Disney $8.5 Billion Merger Faces Intense Scrutiny by CCI

• The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has sent nearly 100 antitrust queries to Reliance Industries and Walt Disney regarding their $8.5 billion merger of Indian media assets.
• The CCI's inquiries include questions about sports rights, increasing scrutiny of the deal, which aims to create the biggest entertainment company in India with 120 TV channels and two streaming services.
• Reliance and Disney have argued that the merger won't hurt competition, noting that cricket rights will expire in 2027 and 2028, allowing competitors to bid.
• The CCI has also asked why YouTube should be treated the same as paid services like Netflix and Disney, given its significant market share in India.
• The merger, once approved, is expected to control 40% of India's television and streaming market, significantly altering the $28 billion entertainment industry.

Source: Live Mint