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Events / Business / Universal Music India acquires Excel...
Business equity acquisition

Universal Music India acquires Excel Entertainment stake

Analysis based on 7 articles · First reported Jan 05, 2026 · Last updated Jan 05, 2026

Sentiment
70
Attention
4
Articles
7
Market Impact
General
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Market Impact

The acquisition by Universal Music Group of a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment is expected to boost both companies. Universal Music Group will strengthen its presence in the growing Indian entertainment market, while Excel Entertainment gains significant capital and global distribution for its music content, potentially increasing its market reach and valuation.

Entertainment Music Film
Event Summary

Universal Music Group (UMI), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), has acquired a 30% equity stake in Excel Entertainment, a film and digital content studio co-founded by Zeeshan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. The deal values Excel Entertainment at Rs 2,400 crore (€257 million). This strategic partnership aims to accelerate Excel Entertainment's growth and enhance Universal Music Group's position in the Indian market. As part of the agreement, Universal Music Group will gain global distribution rights for all future original soundtracks from Excel Entertainment's projects and will launch a dedicated Excel music label. Universal Music Group will also become Excel Entertainment's exclusive music publishing partner. Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group & South Asia, will join Excel Entertainment's Board of Directors, while Zeeshan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani will continue to lead creative direction. The partnership was announced at a press conference attended by India — Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Entities Involved
priv
Excel Entertainment
Excel Entertainment received a 30% equity investment from Universal Music Group, valued at Rs 2,400 crore, which will accelerate its growth and provide global distribution for its music content.
Importance 95.0 Sentiment 70.0
per
Ritesh Sidhwani
Ritesh Sidhwani, co-founder of Excel Entertainment, will continue to shape the creative direction and content decisions of the company after Universal Music Group's investment.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment 60.0
per
Zeeshan Akhtar
Zeeshan Akhtar, co-founder of Excel Entertainment, will continue to shape the creative direction and content decisions of the company following the investment by Universal Music Group.
Importance 70.0 Sentiment 60.0
per
Devraj Sanyal
Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group & South Asia, will serve on Excel Entertainment's Board of Directors as part of the agreement.
Importance 40.0 Sentiment 50.0
per
Adam Granite
Adam Granite, CEO of Africa, Middle East and Asia (AMEA) for Universal Music Group, commented on the deal, highlighting its importance for UMG's position in India.
Importance 30.0 Sentiment 50.0
stock
Universal Music Group
Importance 0.0 Sentiment 0.0
per
Devendra Fadnavis
Importance 0.0 Sentiment 0.0
loc
India — Maharashtra
Importance 0.0 Sentiment 0.0
cnt
India
Importance 0.0 Sentiment 0.0
Relationships
Devendra Fadnavis related ↔ India
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