Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Universal Music India invests in Excel Entertainment
Universal Music India, a big music company, is buying a 30% share of Excel Entertainment, a film and digital content studio.
This deal is worth ₹2,400 crore.
Excel is run by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, who will still make creative decisions.
Universal Music will help distribute Excel's music worldwide and work together on future projects.
This partnership aims to grow Excel and make Universal Music stronger in India.
Excel has made many popular movies and shows, like 'Dil Chahta Hai' and 'Mirzapur'.
The deal was announced in Mumbai, with important people like the Maharashtra Chief Minister present.
Universal Music India acquires a 30% stake in Excel Entertainment for ₹2,400 crore.
Excel Entertainment's founders, Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar, will retain creative control and majority ownership.
UMG will gain global distribution rights for future soundtracks and launch a dedicated Excel music label.
Universal Music Publishing Group becomes Excel's exclusive music publishing partner.
The partnership aims to accelerate Excel's growth and enhance UMI's position in the Indian market, with Excel valued at ₹2,400 crore.
- Who
- Universal Music India and Excel Entertainment
- What
- Universal Music India acquires 30% stake in Excel Entertainment
- When
- January 5, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To accelerate Excel's growth and enhance UMI's position in the Indian market
Universal Music Group
Excel Entertainment
Creative Control
Universal Music Group
UMG will gain global distribution rights for future soundtracks and launch a dedicated Excel music label.
Excel Entertainment
Excel founders Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar will retain creative control and majority ownership.
- Companies Involved
- Universal Music India, Excel Entertainment
- Stake Acquired
- 30%
- Valuation
- ₹2,400 crore
- Founders
- Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar
- Global Distribution Rights
- UMG for future soundtracks
- Music Label
- Dedicated Excel music label by UMG
- Exclusive Partner
- Universal Music Publishing Group
- Notable Works
- Dil Chahta Hai, Don, Gully Boy, Mirzapur
- Legal Counsel
- AZB & Partners for UMG, Morgan Stanley and Khaitan & Co for Excel
- Announcement Date
- January 5, 2026
- Announcement Location
- Mumbai, India
- Notable Attendees
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, lyricist Javed Akhtar
Sources
Universal Music India to pick 30% stake in Excel Entertainment
Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment strikes historic deal with Universal Music Group, market value crosses ₹2400 crore
Universal Music India acquires 30% stake in Excel Entertainment at Rs 2,400 crore valuation
Universal Music India buys 30% stake in Excel Entertainment, values firm at Rs 2,400 crore
Universal to buy 30% in Excel Entertainment; values Farhan Akhtar-led firm at ₹2,400 crore
Universal Music India acquires 30 per cent stake in Excel Entertainment at ₹2,400-crore valuation
Universal Music Group invests $267 Million in Farhan Akhtar-owned Excel Entertainment
Universal Music Group acquires 30% stake in Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment; details inside
Universal Music India acquires 30% stake in Excel Entertainment at ₹2,400-cr valuation
Universal to buy 30% in Excel Entertainment; values Farhan Akhtar-led firm at ₹2,400 crore
Universal Music Group Acquires 30% Stake In Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment, Partnership Announced At Mumbai Event
