Universal Music India Acquires Minority Stake In Excel Entertainment At Rs 2,400 Crore Valuation

Universal Music Group’s Indian arm has acquired a minority stake in Bollywood production house Excel Entertainment, securing global rights to its future original soundtracks, according to Variety.

Universal Music India has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire a 30% equity stake in the Mumbai-based film and digital studio, valuing Excel Entertainment at approximately Rs 2,400 crore ($267 million). The deal grants Universal global distribution rights to all original soundtracks across Excel’s upcoming films and series.

As part of the partnership, Universal Music India will establish a dedicated music label for Excel’s projects, enabling worldwide distribution. Universal Music Publishing Group will also serve as Excel’s exclusive music publishing partner. The agreement further opens the door for collaborations between Universal’s global roster of artists and future Excel productions.

Devraj Sanyal, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music India & South Asia and Senior Vice President, Strategy, Africa, Middle East and Asia, will join Excel Entertainment’s board of directors. Founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar will continue to lead the company’s creative and content strategy.

The transaction was supported by multiple advisors, with AZB & Partners and KPMG advising Universal Music Group, while Morgan Stanley, Khaitan & Co. and Ernst & Young represented Excel Entertainment.