{{Short description|Indian media conglomerate}} {{More citations needed|date=November 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}} {{Use Indian English|date=July 2016}} {{Infobox company | name = Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited | logo = Zee Entertainment 2025.svg | logo_caption = Logo since 2025<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://brandequity.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/media/zee-rebrands-as-z-focuses-on-tech-and-content-integration/121240470 |title=ZEE rebrands as Z, focuses on tech and content integration |work=ET BrandEquity |date=17 May 2025 |access-date=17 June 2025}}</ref> | logo_size = 150px | type = Public | traded_as = {{ubl|{{BSE|505537}}|{{NSE|ZEEL}}}} | industry = {{Plainlist| * Mass media * Entertainment }} | products = Broadcasting, films, music, streaming, web portals | foundation = {{start date and age|df=yes|1992|11|25}} | founder = Subhash Chandra | location = Mumbai, Maharashtra | hq_location_country = India | area_served = Worldwide | key_people = {{ubl|Subhash Chandra (chairman)|Punit Goenka (CEO)<ref name="BS">{{cite news|url=http://wap.business-standard.com/article/companies/we-want-to-transform-into-an-all-round-media-company-punit-goenka-116082300871_1.html|title=We want to Transform into an all-round media company punit goenka|work=Business Standard|date=24 August 2016|access-date=22 July 2017|last1=Malvania|first1=Urvi|archive-date=26 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826134313/http://wap.business-standard.com/article/companies/we-want-to-transform-into-an-all-round-media-company-punit-goenka-116082300871_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>}} | revenue = {{loss}} {{INRConvert|2112|c}} (2022)<ref name="fy">{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/market/stock-market-news/zee-entertainment-q4-results-firm-reports-net-loss-of-rs-196-crore-revenue-down-9-11685015450251.html |title=Zee Ent reports net loss of ₹196 cr in Q4, revenue down 9%; key highlights |work=mint |date=25 May 2023 |author1=Livemint }}</ref> | net_income = {{loss}} {{INRConvert|-196|c}} (2022)<ref name="fy"/> | assets = {{loss}} {{INRConvert|13239|c}} (2022)<ref name="fy"/> | num_employees = 3,429 (2021)<ref name="fy"/> | parent = Essel Group | footnotes = <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fortuneindia.com/enterprise/zees-fy19-earnings-may-aid-better-valuation/103259|title=Zee's FY19 earnings may aid better valuation|website=www.fortuneindia.com|date=6 May 2019 |access-date=24 December 2020|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522062015/https://www.fortuneindia.com/enterprise/zees-fy19-earnings-may-aid-better-valuation/103259|url-status=live}}</ref> | homepage = {{URL|https://www.zee.com/|zee.com}} }}
'''Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited''' ('''ZEEL''') (formerly '''Zee Telefilms''') is an Indian media conglomerate. Headquartered in Mumbai, it has interests in television, print, internet, film, and businesses related to mobile content, and operates 35 channels worldwide.
== History == === Independent era === thumb|Logo used from 2017 to 2025
In April 1995, the company launched the premium movie channel Zee Cinema, the first channel of its sort in the country.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Zee Cinema celebrates 20 years of winning hearts |url=http://www.tellychakkar.com/tv/tv-news/zee-cinema-celebrates-20-years-of-winning-hearts-557 |access-date=2023-08-18 |website=Tellychakkar.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Zee Entertainment Enterprises History |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/zee-entertainment-enterprises-ltd/infocompanyhistory/companyid-11769.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725161938/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/zee-entertainment-enterprises-ltd/infocompanyhistory/companyid-11769.cms |archive-date=25 July 2021 |access-date=26 February 2020 |website=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Suhani |date=21 August 2017 |title=Entertainment Inc.: The story of Zee, one of India's first Hindi {{sic|satel|ite|nolink=y}} channels |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20170821-zee-hindi-tv-channel-subhash-chandra-1028931-2017-08-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312211846/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20170821-zee-hindi-tv-channel-subhash-chandra-1028931-2017-08-11 |archive-date=12 March 2018 |access-date=26 February 2020 |website=India Today |language=en}}</ref> Until 1999, programming was done by Star TV. In the following years Zee Cinema has also catered to international markets like South-East America, Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan, Indonesia<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Zee Cinema launched in Indonesia |url=https://www.zee.com/in-the-news/zee-cinema-launched-in-indonesia/ |website=www.Zee.com}}</ref> and Asia Pacific and the Rest of Africa.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}} Zee Cinema (Canada) is available in Canada as a joint ventures with Ethnic Group.<ref name=":4" />
Zee Telefilms launched a Nickelodeon-branded programming block in 1999 as part of a distribution deal between Viacom International and Zee Telefilms. It was replaced by a new Cartoon Network block in 2002.<ref name="Nick">{{cite web|date=11 October 1999|title=ZEE TV TO LAUNCH NICKELODEON|url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/news_analysis/newsletter/111099/zee111099.htm|access-date=21 June 2017|archive-date=23 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170323085148/http://www.indiantelevision.com/news_analysis/newsletter/111099/zee111099.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Cartoon">{{cite web|date=14 August 2002|title=Cartoon Network block replaces Nick on Zee TV|work=Indian Television Dot Com |url=http://www.indiantelevision.com/y2k2/aug/aug87.htm|access-date=19 September 2017|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902123040/http://www.indiantelevision.com/y2k2/aug/aug87.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2008, Zee Networks launched Zee Motion Pictures and Zee Limelight (now Zee Studios) for the development, production, distribution and marketing of mainstream films in Indian languages, including Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and Marathi.<ref>{{cite news|title=Zee Group launches two motion picture production banners|url=https://businessofcinema.com/bollywood-news/zee-group-launches-two-motion-picture-production-banners/22232|publisher=Business of Cinema|date=2008|access-date=2 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107024651/https://businessofcinema.com/bollywood-news/zee-group-launches-two-motion-picture-production-banners/22232|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2015, Zee acquired Sarthak TV, an Odia-language pay television channel.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/zee-entertainment-acquires-sarthak-entertainment-60810.html|title=Zee Entertainment acquires Sarthak Entertainment - Exchange4media|website=Indian Advertising Media & Marketing News – exchange4media|date=15 July 2015 |access-date=6 September 2021|archive-date=25 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025210359/https://www.exchange4media.com/media-tv-news/zee-entertainment-acquires-sarthak-entertainment-60810.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2017, the company acquired the majority stake of the Reliance Broadcast Network.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bindu D Menon |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/zee-group-buys-into-anil-ambanis-tv-and-radio-businesses/article9378020.ece |title=Zee buys Anil Ambani's TV, radio biz for ₹1,900 cr | Business Line |date=23 November 2016 |publisher=Thehindubusinessline.com |access-date=2017-11-23}}</ref> It also planned to acquire 9X Media in October 2017 for the cost of {{INR}}160 crore, however, the plan fell through in March 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/zee-entertainment-fully-acquires-9x-media-and-inx-music/article9891227.ece|title=Zee to acquire 9X Media, its arms for ₹160 cr|date=2017-10-06|work=The Hindu Business Line|access-date=2017-11-18|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/zee-terminates-9x-media-acquisition/articleshow/63334878.cms?from=mdr|title=ZEE terminates 9X Media acquisition|language=en|access-date=23 May 2021|archive-date=23 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523051348/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/zee-terminates-9x-media-acquisition/articleshow/63334878.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}</ref> A partially owned subsidiary, Diligent Media Corporation, is a publisher of Indian daily newspapers and websites. DMC is a joint venture between Zee and the Dainik Bhaskar Group.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indian Newspapers and News Sites|url=http://www.w3newspapers.com/india/|website=w3newspapers.com|access-date=18 October 2014|archive-date=7 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407124626/https://www.w3newspapers.com/india/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2018, Zee launched Zee Theatre, which offers a collection of recorded theatre plays also called teleplay- produced in India and internationally.<ref>{{Cite news |last=IANS |date=2017-01-10 |title=Zee Theatre to take 12 plays to 15 Indian cities |work=Business Standard India |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/zee-theatre-to-take-12-plays-to-15-indian-cities-117011000552_1.html |access-date=2022-10-02 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002113143/https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/zee-theatre-to-take-12-plays-to-15-indian-cities-117011000552_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Sale talks === In February 2019, media reported that Essel Group was in talks to sell their shares from the Zee Entertainment Enterprises to save them from debt.<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes.com">{{Cite news|last1=Laghate|first1=Gaurav|last2=Barman|first2=Arijit|title=Zee Entertainment: Comcast-Atairos, Sony shortlisted for stake sale talks by Zee Entertainment|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/comcast-atairos-sony-shortlisted-for-stake-sale-talks-by-zee-entertainment/articleshow/68056312.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=3 April 2019|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403145906/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/comcast-atairos-sony-shortlisted-for-stake-sale-talks-by-zee-entertainment/articleshow/68056312.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Top Sony officials including Mike Hopkins, chairman of Sony Pictures Television,<ref name="economictimes.indiatimes.com" /> and Tony Vinciquerra, chairman of Sony Pictures, had visited Subhash Chandra and his family at his residence shortly after Chandra announced his intent to sell half of the promoter holding in Zee Entertainment Enterprises to a global strategic investor.<br />On 2 April reports said that<ref>{{Cite news|title=Zee Entertainment shares wobble after share sale by promoters|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/zee-entertainment-shares-wobble-after-share-sale-by-promoters/articleshow/68681842.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=3 April 2019|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403133745/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/zee-entertainment-shares-wobble-after-share-sale-by-promoters/articleshow/68681842.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> some other promoters<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee Entertainment Down 3% After Promoters Sell Stake|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/zee-entertainment-down-3-after-promoters-sell-stake-3744761.html|website=Moneycontrol|date=2 April 2019 |access-date=3 April 2019|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403124024/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/zee-entertainment-down-3-after-promoters-sell-stake-3744761.html|url-status=live}}</ref> were willing to sell their shares worth {{INR}}332 crore.<br /> On 3 April media reported the Sony and Zee Entertainment Enterprises deal was off.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Laghate|first1=Gaurav|last2=Barman|first2=Arijit|title=Sony Corporation: Sony, ZEE deal off for now amid valuation differences|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/sony-zee-deal-off-for-now-amid-valuation-differences/articleshow/68697156.cms|newspaper=The Economic Times|access-date=3 April 2019|archive-date=3 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403133713/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/sony-zee-deal-off-for-now-amid-valuation-differences/articleshow/68697156.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> On 1 August media reports Invesco Oppenheimer Fund to buy 11% stake in Zee Entertainment.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Thomas|first=Tanya|date=31 July 2019|title=Invesco Oppenheimer fund to buy 11% stake in Zee Entertainment for ₹4,224 cr|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/invesco-oppenheimer-fund-to-buy-11-in-zeel-for-rs-4-224-crore-1564577772129.html|website=www.livemint.com|access-date=6 September 2021|archive-date=6 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210906042442/https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/invesco-oppenheimer-fund-to-buy-11-in-zeel-for-rs-4-224-crore-1564577772129.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In September 2021, it was reported that Invesco Developing Markets Funds and OFI Global China Fund LLC, who jointly holds a 17.88% stake, wanted Punit Goenka (also the son of founder) to step down as MD and CEO. It was also reported that Essel Group owns a sum of 3.99% minority stake.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2021/Sep/15/investors-want-md-punit-goenka-out-ofzee-entertainment-enterprises-2358877.html|title=Investors want MD Punit Goenka out of Zee Entertainment Enterprises - the New Indian Express|date=15 September 2021 |access-date=10 October 2021|archive-date=10 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010192405/https://www.newindianexpress.com/business/2021/sep/15/investors-want-md-punit-goenka-out-ofzee-entertainment-enterprises-2358877.amp|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2024, Zee Entertainment Enterprises partnered with Sony Pictures Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sony on the Hunt for Indian Partner After Zee Deal Fades |url=https://www.brutimes.com/news/business/sony-on-the-hunt-for-indian-partner-after-zee-deal-fades |website=Bru Times News |language=en}}</ref>
==== Attempted merger with Sony Pictures Networks India ==== On 22 September 2021, the company announced its intent to merge with Sony Pictures Networks India.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sony Pictures India to Merge With Zee Entertainment|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/zee-to-merge-with-sony-pictures-india-1235018372|access-date=2021-09-21|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en|archive-date=22 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210922151655/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/zee-to-merge-with-sony-pictures-india-1235018372/|url-status=live}}</ref> Sony Pictures will hold a majority stake in the proposed merged entity, which will be headed by Zee's Punit Goenka.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee Entertainment Approves In-principle Merger With Sony Pictures India|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/zee-entertainment-signs-merger-deal-with-sony-pictures-india-7492871.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Moneycontrol|date=22 September 2021 |language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021143533/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/zee-entertainment-signs-merger-deal-with-sony-pictures-india-7492871.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2021, the merger was approved by the two companies boards. Sony will hold a stake close to 51% in the company, with Zee controlling the remaining stake.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony Pictures Networks, Zee Complete Merger to Create Indian TV Giant|website=Variety|date=22 December 2021|access-date=22 December 2021|url=https://variety.com/2021/global/news/sony-pictures-networks-zee-merger-complete-1235140626/|archive-date=22 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211222033806/https://variety.com/2021/global/news/sony-pictures-networks-zee-merger-complete-1235140626/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 10 August 2023, the National Company Law Tribunal approved the proposed Sony/Zee merger.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |last2=Frater |first2=Patrick |date=2023-08-10 |title=Sony-Zee TV Mega Merger in India Is Given Green Light |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/asia/sony-zee-tv-merger-in-india-1235692955/ |access-date=2023-10-07 |website=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230820232829/https://variety.com/2023/tv/asia/sony-zee-tv-merger-in-india-1235692955/|archive-date=2023-08-20|language=en-US}}</ref>
On 18 January 2024, the anticipated $10 billion merger between Zee Entertainment Enterprises and Sony Pictures India progressed as ZEE's stock increased amid reports that CEO Punit Goenka might step down, potentially resolving a major deadlock in the merger process.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-18 |title=ZEE-Sony merger: ZEEL stock surges as Goenka on expectations Goenka may step down as CEO {{!}} Know more |url=https://www.news9live.com/business/companies/zee-sony-merger-zeel-stock-surges-as-goenka-on-expectations-goenka-may-step-down-as-ceo-know-more-2409851 |access-date=2024-01-18 |website=News9live |language=en-US}}</ref> However, on 22 January 2024, Sony Pictures Networks India issued a notice to Zee Entertainment Enterprises effectively terminating the merger proceedings due to, among other reasons, the closing conditions to the merger not being satisfied by the given deadline of 21 January.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sony Calls Off $10 Billion Merger With Indian TV Giant Zee Entertainment Enterprises|website=Variety|first1=Patrick|last1=Frater|first2=Naman|last2=Ramachandran|date=22 January 2024|access-date=22 January 2024|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/sony-zee-india-deal-halted-1235865873/}}</ref>
== Controversy == === Dispute between promoters === On 11 September 2021, Invesco asked Zee management to call shareholders an "extraordinary general meeting" (EGM) to consider its demands. One of the main demands was the removal of Punit Goenka, son of the Zee Network founder.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee Entertainment's Largest Shareholders Call EGM Seeking Removal Of Punit Goenka From Board|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/corporate-action/zees-largest-shareholders-calls-for-egm-seeking-removal-of-punit-goenka-from-board-7463111.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Moneycontrol|date=13 September 2021 |language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021142600/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/corporate-action/zees-largest-shareholders-calls-for-egm-seeking-removal-of-punit-goenka-from-board-7463111.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However Zee board rejects a demand from Invesco to convene an extraordinary general meeting.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee Says Will Not Hold EGM As Demanded By Shareholder Invesco|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/zee-says-will-not-hold-egm-as-demanded-by-shareholder-invesco-7531081.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Moneycontrol|date=October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021142602/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/zee-says-will-not-hold-egm-as-demanded-by-shareholder-invesco-7531081.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Invesco Developing Market Funds Moves to National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and Bombay High Court seeking a mandatory order for Zee Enterprises Entertainment Limited (ZEEL) to call the extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that the shareholder has been demanding.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee-Invesco NCLT Hearing: Invesco Says NCLT Must Make A Mandatory Order To Call EGM|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/zee-invesco-nclt-hearing-not-concerned-about-outcome-of-egm-but-about-egm-being-called-says-invesco-7541121.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Moneycontrol|date=4 October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021142604/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/zee-invesco-nclt-hearing-not-concerned-about-outcome-of-egm-but-about-egm-being-called-says-invesco-7541121.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Chatterjee|first=Sudipto Dey & Dev|date=2021-10-04|title=Prolonged battle ahead as ZEE Entertainment takes Invesco to court|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/prolonged-battle-ahead-as-zee-entertainment-takes-invesco-to-court-121100400032_1.html|access-date=2021-10-21|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021142600/https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/prolonged-battle-ahead-as-zee-entertainment-takes-invesco-to-court-121100400032_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Zee Board replied to Invesco's open letter saying they didn't care about the company, and Invesco was not motivated by concerns related to any corporate governance issue<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee Hits Back At Invesco's Open Letter, Rebuts Objections On Sony Merger Deal|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/zee-hits-back-at-invescos-open-letter-rebuts-objections-on-sony-merger-deal-7579641.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Moneycontrol|date=13 October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021142600/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/zee-hits-back-at-invescos-open-letter-rebuts-objections-on-sony-merger-deal-7579641.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but "by the events that transpired during February–April 2021 pointing Invesco purposed deal with Reliance Industries.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Invesco Proposed Merger With Large Indian Group In Feb 2021, Wanted Punit Goenka To Lead: Zee|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/invesco-proposed-merger-with-large-indian-group-in-feb-2021-wanted-punit-goenka-to-lead-zee-7575661.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Moneycontrol|date=12 October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021142603/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/invesco-proposed-merger-with-large-indian-group-in-feb-2021-wanted-punit-goenka-to-lead-zee-7575661.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 21 October, Bombay High Court asked the Zee board to call EGM as demanded by shareholder Invesco, and Counsel appearing for Zee Entertainment said the company will inform the date of the EGM by the morning of 22 October.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bombay HC Asks Zee To Call EGM As Demanded By Shareholder Invesco|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/bombay-hc-asks-zee-to-call-egm-as-demanded-by-shareholder-invesco-7608931.html|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Moneycontrol|date=21 October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021142606/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/bombay-hc-asks-zee-to-call-egm-as-demanded-by-shareholder-invesco-7608931.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Upadhyay|first=Payaswini|title=Zee Vs Invesco: Bombay High Court Proposes To Allow EGM, But...|url=https://www.bloombergquint.com/law-and-policy/zee-vs-invesco-bombay-high-court-proposes-to-allow-egm-but|access-date=2021-10-21|website=BloombergQuint|date=21 October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=21 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021142602/https://www.bloombergquint.com/law-and-policy/zee-vs-invesco-bombay-high-court-proposes-to-allow-egm-but|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 22 October, Zee replied to the court that the board can't give a nod to something that will turn out to be illegal,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee-Invesco Row: Zee Argues Holding EGM Is Illegal, Bombay HC To Hear The Matter On October 26|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/zee-invesco-row-zee-argues-holding-egm-is-illegal-bombay-hc-to-hear-the-matter-on-october-26-7612421.html|access-date=2021-10-23|website=Moneycontrol|date=22 October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=23 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211023032148/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/zee-invesco-row-zee-argues-holding-egm-is-illegal-bombay-hc-to-hear-the-matter-on-october-26-7612421.html|url-status=live}}</ref> so HC postponed hearing of the Zee-Invesco matter to 26 October. Also, on 26 October Bombay High Court had restrained Invesco from taking any action in furtherance of their requisition notice (to call an EGM).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee-Invesco Row: A Look At What Happens Next After Bombay HC Bars Invesco From Calling EGM|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/zee-invesco-row-a-look-at-what-happens-next-after-bombay-hc-bars-invesco-from-calling-egm-7631441.html|access-date=2021-10-27|website=Moneycontrol|date=26 October 2021 |language=en|archive-date=27 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027042941/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/companies/zee-invesco-row-a-look-at-what-happens-next-after-bombay-hc-bars-invesco-from-calling-egm-7631441.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 7 December, Invesco headed towards a resolution expected to back the merger deal with Sony as long as the Goenka family does not get any preferential equity.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kar|first=Ayushi|title=Invesco to back Zee-Sony deal as long as Punit Goenka is not given PE|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/invesco-to-back-zee-sony-deal-as-long-as-punit-goenka-is-not-given-pe/article37854454.ece|access-date=2021-12-07|website=@businessline|date=5 December 2021 |language=en|archive-date=7 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207030243/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/invesco-to-back-zee-sony-deal-as-long-as-punit-goenka-is-not-given-pe/article37854454.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 22 December, Board of Zee signed definitive agreements with Sony after received approval from its board of directors<ref>{{Cite web|title=Zee-Sony Merger Approved, Punit Goenka Will Be CEO Of Merged Entity|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/zee-sony-merger-deal-zee-entertainment-board-approves-merger-with-sony-unit-punit-goenka-to-continue-as-ceo-2664366|access-date=2021-12-23|website=NDTV.com|date=22 December 2021 |archive-date=23 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223055625/https://www.ndtv.com/business/zee-sony-merger-deal-zee-entertainment-board-approves-merger-with-sony-unit-punit-goenka-to-continue-as-ceo-2664366|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Zee Music vs Sonu Nigam === Sonu Nigam alleged that he was banned by the Zee Music Company after he tweeted in support of politician Kumar Vishwas.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ABP Live - English News, Today's Latest Breaking News in English, Online English News|url=http://www.abplive.in/movies/2015/04/29/article571728.ece/Zee-Network-bans-Sonu-Nigam-Twitter-stands-by-him|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501010601/http://www.abplive.in/movies/2015/04/29/article571728.ece/Zee-Network-bans-Sonu-Nigam-Twitter-stands-by-him|archive-date=1 May 2015|access-date=29 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=News18.com: CNN News18 Latest News, Breaking News India, Current News Headlines|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sonu-nigam-earns-the-wrath-of-a-media-channel-after-he-tweets-in-support-of-aap-leader-kumar-vishwas/542728-45-75.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501140323/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/sonu-nigam-earns-the-wrath-of-a-media-channel-after-he-tweets-in-support-of-aap-leader-kumar-vishwas/542728-45-75.html|archive-date=1 May 2015|access-date=16 July 2017|publisher=Ibnlive.in.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=29 April 2015|title=Sonu Nigam accuses music company of announcing ban on him|publisher=India Today|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/sonu-nigam-zee-music-company-ban-singer-bollywood-new-films-250758-2015-04-29|access-date=8 October 2018|archive-date=9 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181009024925/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/sonu-nigam-zee-music-company-ban-singer-bollywood-new-films-250758-2015-04-29|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Owned assets == === On-air channels === ==== India ==== {|class="wikitable sortable" !Channel !Launched !Language !Category !SD/HD !Notes |- | Zee TV | 1992 | rowspan="15" | Hindi | rowspan="4" | General Entertainment | rowspan="2" | SD+HD | rowspan="2" | |- | & TV | 2015 |- | Anmol TV | 2013 | rowspan="2" | SD |Formerly known as ''Zee Anmol'' |- | Zee Zindagi | 2014 |rowspan="6" | |- | Zee Cinema | 1995 | rowspan="9" | Movies | HD |- | Zee Classic | 2005 | rowspan="6" | SD |- | Zee Action | 2006 |- | Big Magic | 2011 |- | Zee Bollywood | 2018 |- | Anmol Cinema | 2016 |Formerly known as ''Zee Anmol Cinema'' |- | Anmol Cinema 2 |2024 | Replaced ''Zee Ganga''<br>Formerly known as ''Zee Anmol Cinema 2'' |- | & Pictures | 2013 | SD+HD | |- | & Xplor HD | 2019 | HD | |- | Zing | 2009 | Youth | SD | Formerly ''Zee Muzic'' |- | Zee Café | 2000 | rowspan="2" | Sports | rowspan="2" | SD+HD | Formerly ''Zee English'' |- | & Flix | 2019 |English | Formerly ''Zee Studio'' |- | Zee Zest | 2010 | Hindi<br>English | Lifestyle | SD+HD | Formerly ''Zee Khana Khazana'' and ''Living Foodz'' |- | Zee Theatre | 2018 | Hindi<br>English<br>Urdu<br>Marathi<br>Gujarati | TV Plays | SD | |- | Zee Bangla | 1999 | rowspan="2" | Bengali | General Entertainment | SD+HD | Formerly ''Alpha TV Bangla'' |- | Zee Bangla Sonar | 2025 | rowspan="2" |Movies | rowspan="2" | SD | Replaced ''Zee Bangla Cinema'' |- | Zee Biskope | 2020 | Bhojpuri | |- | Zee Marathi | 1999 | rowspan="3" | Marathi | rowspan="2" | General Entertainment | rowspan="1" |SD+HD | Formerly ''Alpha TV Marathi'' |- | Zee Yuva | 2016 | SD | |- | Zee Talkies | 2007 | Movies | SD+HD | |- | Zee Sarthak | 2010 | Odia | rowspan="2" | General Entertainment | rowspan="2" | SD | Formerly ''Sarthak TV'' |- | Zee Punjabi | 2020 | Punjabi | Formerly ''Alpha TV Punjabi'' |- | Zee Tamil | 2008 | rowspan="2" | Tamil | General Entertainment | rowspan="5" | SD+HD | |- | Zee Thirai | 2020 | Movies | |- | Zee Telugu | 2004 | rowspan="2" | Telugu | General Entertainment | Formerly ''Alpha TV Telugu'' |- | Zee Cinemalu | 2016 | Movies | |- | Zee Kannada | 2006 | rowspan="2" | Kannada | General Entertainment | |- | Zee Power | 2025 | Movies | SD | Replaced ''Zee Picchar'' |- | Zee Keralam | 2018 | Malayalam | General Entertainment | SD+HD | |}
==== International ==== {|class="wikitable sortable" !Channel !Launched !Language !Category !SD/HD !Notes |- | Zee Magic | 2015 | French | General Entertainment | rowspan="2"|SD | <ref>{{cite news |title=Zee TV expands French service to Indian Ocean island nations |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/zee-tv-expands-french-service-to-indian-ocean-island-nations/articleshow/49678638.cms?from=mdr |access-date=18 March 2026 |work=The Economic Times |date=5 November 2015}}</ref> |- | Zee Bioskop | 2014 | Indonesian | General Entertainment | |}
=== Defunct channels === {|class="wikitable sortable" !Channel !Launched !Defunct !Language !Category !SD/HD !Notes |- | EL TV | 1996 | 1998 | rowspan="12" | Hindi | rowspan="4" | General Entertainment | rowspan="14" | SD | Replaced with ''Zee India TV'' |- | Zee Smile | 2004 | 2016 | Formerly ''Smile TV'' |- | 9X | 2007 | 2015 | Acquired from ''9X Media'' |- | Zee Next | 2007 | 2009 | |- | Zee Premier | 2006 | 2015 | Movies | Formerly ''Premier Cinema'' |- |ā Music Asia |1997 |2000 |rowspan="3" | Music |Replaced with ''Zee Muzic'' |- | Zee Muzic | 2000 | 2009 |Replaced with ''Zing TV'' |- | Zee ETC Bollywood | 1999 | 2020 | Formerly ''ETC'' and ''ETC Bollywood'' |- | ZeeQ | 2010 | 2017 | Kids | |- | Zee Jagran | 2005 | 2015 | Devotional | |- | Zee Khana Khazana | 2010 | 2015 | Lifestyle | Replaced with ''Living Foodz'' |- | Zee India TV | 1998 | 1999 | Infotainment | Replaced with ''Zee News'' |- | Zee Select | 2004 | 2005 | rowspan="5" | English | rowspan="3" | Movies | Formerly ''MX'' |- | Zee Studio | 2005 | 2018 | Formerly ''Zee Movies'', ''Zee MGM'' and ''Zee Movie Zone'' (ZMZ) Replaced With &flix |- |&Privé HD |2017 |2026 |HD | |- | Zee Trendz | 2003 | 2014 | Lifestyle | rowspan="2"|SD | Formerly ''Trendz TV'' |- | Zee Sports | 2005 | 2010 | Sports | Merged with ''TEN Action'' |- | Living Foodz | 2015 | 2020 | rowspan="2"| English<br>Hindi | Lifestyle | SD+HD | Replaced with ''Zee Zest'' |- | Living Travelz | 2017 | 2017 | Knowledge | rowspan="7"| SD | |- | Zee Bangla Cinema | 2012 | 2025 | Bengali | Movies | Replaced with ''Zee Bangla Sonar'' |- | Zee Ganga | 2013 | 2024 | Bhojpuri | rowspan="2"|General Entertainment | Replaced with ''Zee Anmol Cinema 2'' |- | Zee Gujarati | 2000 | 2009 | Gujarati | Formerly ''Alpha TV Gujarati'' |- | Zee Chitramandir | 2021 | 2026 | rowspan="2"|Marathi | Movies | Formerly ''Zee Zabardast'' |- | Zee Vajwa | 2020 | 2022 | Music | |- | Zee ETC Punjabi | 2001 | 2014 | Punjabi | General Entertainment | Formerly ''ETC Punjabi'' |- | Zee Picchar | 2020 | 2025 | Kannada | Movies | SD+HD | Replaced with ''Zee Power'' |}
== Over The Top (OTT) == {{Main|ZEE5}} In February 2016, Zee Entertainment Enterprises forayed into video-on-demand with the launch of its OTT platform OZEE.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Pai|first=Vivek|date=2016-02-26|title=Zee Digital launches online streaming platform OZEE|url=https://www.medianama.com/2016/02/223-zee-launches-ozee/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=MediaNama|language=en-US|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011061026/https://www.medianama.com/2016/02/223-zee-launches-ozee/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 14 February 2018, this service rebranded as ZEE5.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ahluwalia|first=Harveen|date=2018-02-14|title=Zee Entertainment launches new video streaming platform Zee5|url=https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/c7MymlBR4d5jIrLUeFWRkO/Zee-Entertainment-launches-new-video-streaming-platform-Zee5.html|access-date=2021-10-11|website=mint|language=en|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011035501/https://www.livemint.com/Consumer/c7MymlBR4d5jIrLUeFWRkO/Zee-Entertainment-launches-new-video-streaming-platform-Zee5.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Since its relaunch as ZEE5, it streams all content from its television network and also movies and original series. ZEE5 claimed 57 million monthly active users in December 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-01-15|title=ZEE5 maintains momentum with 56.3 mn MAU in third quarter|url=https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/zee5-maintains-momentum-with-563-mn-mau-in-third-quarter-190115|access-date=2021-10-11|website=Indian Television Dot Com|language=en|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913190131/https://www.indiantelevision.com/iworld/over-the-top-services/zee5-maintains-momentum-with-563-mn-mau-in-third-quarter-190115|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Other assets == === Publishing === Source:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Platforms – Digital – ZEE Entertainment Corporate Website|url=https://www.zee.com/products-platforms-digital-media-domestic/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=www.zee.com|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011041351/https://www.zee.com/products-platforms-digital-media-domestic/|url-status=live}}</ref> * bgr * Mollywood * cricket country * The health site * India.com * Sugarbox * Zee5X
=== Event management === Source:<ref>{{Cite web|title=Businesses – Live Entertainment – ZEE Entertainment Corporate Website|url=https://www.zee.com/products-platforms-live-events-theatre-supermoon/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=www.zee.com|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011041350/https://www.zee.com/products-platforms-live-events-theatre-supermoon/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Zee Live * Super moon, Arth, Edu care, It's A Girl Thing * Zee Theatre
=== Film distribution and music === * Zee Studios<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-09-28|title=ZEE Studios sets November 11 for the theatrical release of their next Punjabi film Fuffad Ji|url=https://www.easterneye.biz/zee-studios-sets-november-11-for-the-theatrical-release-of-their-next-punjabi-film-fuffad-ji/|access-date=2021-10-11|website=EasternEye|language=en-GB|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011041349/https://www.easterneye.biz/zee-studios-sets-november-11-for-the-theatrical-release-of-their-next-punjabi-film-fuffad-ji/|url-status=live}}</ref> * Zee Plex (movie-on-demand service)<ref>{{Cite web|title=POPUP|url=https://helpcenter.zee5.com/portal/en/kb/articles/rent-movies-with-zee-plex#:~:text=ZEEPLEX%20is%20a%20premium%20movie,re%20marked%20with%20the%20icon.|access-date=2021-10-11|website=helpcenter.zee5.com|archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011041358/https://helpcenter.zee5.com/portal/en/kb/articles/rent-movies-with-zee-plex#:~:text=ZEEPLEX%20is%20a%20premium%20movie,re%20marked%20with%20the%20icon.|url-status=live}}</ref> * Zee Music Company<ref>{{Cite web|last=Joseph|first=Anto T.|title=How a cruise business landed Zee's Subhash Chandra in uncharted waters|url=https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/01/22/how-cruise-business-landed-zees-subhash-chandra-in-uncharted-waters|access-date=2021-10-11|website=Newslaundry|date=22 January 2021 |archive-date=11 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011041356/https://www.newslaundry.com/2021/01/22/how-cruise-business-landed-zees-subhash-chandra-in-uncharted-waters|url-status=live}}</ref>
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{Official website|https://www.zee.com/}}
{{Essel Group}} {{CNX Nifty companies}} {{Nifty 200 companies}} <!-- {{Sony Pictures Networks India}} -->
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zee Entertainment Enterprises}} Category:Film production companies based in Mumbai Category:Television broadcasting companies of India Category:Television production companies of India Category:Television stations in Mumbai Category:Indian companies established in 1991 Category:Essel Group Category:Former News Corporation subsidiaries Category:Television networks in India Category:Television stations in Delhi Category:Television stations in New Delhi Category:Mass media companies based in Mumbai Category:Mass media companies established in 1991 Category:Television channels and stations established in 1991 Category:Mass media companies of India Category:Zee Entertainment Enterprises Category:1991 establishments in Maharashtra Category:Companies listed on the National Stock Exchange of India Category:Companies listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange Category:Attempted mergers and acquisitions Category:ZEE5 <!-- Category:Sony Pictures Networks India -->