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Tag: offer

  • Paramount Skydance Outbids Netflix with a Whopping $108.4 Billion Offer for Warner Bros Discovery

    Paramount Skydance Outbids Netflix with a Whopping $108.4 Billion Offer for Warner Bros Discovery

    Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile $108.4 billion counteroffer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), threatening to eclipse the previous $73 billion cash and stock bid from Netflix. Paramount Skydance’s offer proposes $30 in cash for each share of WBD, which surpasses Netflix’s offer of $23.25 in cash and $4.50 in Netflix stock for each WBD stockholder.

    Bidding War Heightens

    On Monday, WBD’s shares saw a 4.41% increase, hitting $27.23 with a rise of $1.15. Paramount Skydance’s bid outstrips Netflix’s by $18 billion in cash. Paramount Skydance bolstered its offer by arguing that its deal not only benefits the creative community more, but will also have an easier journey through regulatory approval processes.

    Despite this, a transaction with Paramount Skydance would involve the Paramount-owned CBS and CBS-owned local stations, thereby requiring approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and possibly the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). A Netflix acquisition of WBD, on the other hand, would not necessitate FCC approval.

    Acquisition Details

    Paramount Skydance’s purchase proposal includes several key assets: the Warner Bros. movie studio, HBO, streaming service HBO Max, and a collection of cable channels such as TNT and CNN. Netflix’s deal does not incorporate the cable networks, which would be spun off into a new company named Discovery Global.

    David Ellison, the CEO of Paramount, contends that his deal is a superior alternative to Netflix’s offer. He asserts that WBD shareholders deserve the opportunity to consider Paramount’s all-cash offering for their shares in the entire company. Ellison is confident that their public offer, which matches the terms provided privately to the WBD Board of Directors, represents a greater value and a swifter, more certain path to deal closure.

    Political Influence

    Earlier this year, Ellison’s Skydance acquired Paramount in an $8 billion trade. Given his father Larry Ellison’s close ties to President Donald Trump, securing FCC approval for a Paramount Skydance acquisition could potentially be expedited. Prior to Paramount Skydance announcing its bid, President Trump expressed concern that the Netflix bid could raise antitrust issues and indicated his intention to be involved in the approval process.

    Funding and Future Implications

    Following the announcement of the deal, Ellison appeared on CNBC, highlighting the potential market power that a combined Netflix-WBD company would hold. With over 400 million subscribers, it would dwarf its closest competitor, Disney, which currently has just under 200 million. Ellison opined that such a scenario could be detrimental to Hollywood and asserted the superiority of their offer.

    In the event that WBD reneges on its agreement with Netflix in favor of the higher offer from Paramount Skydance, Netflix is set to receive a $2.8 billion breakup fee. Importantly, Paramount Skydance has already secured funding commitments for half of the purchase price, amounting to $54 billion, from Bank of America, Citi, and private equity firm Apollo Global.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the value of Paramount Skydance’s counteroffer for Warner Bros. Discovery?
    Paramount Skydance has made a bid of $108.4 billion for Warner Bros. Discovery.

    What does Paramount Skydance’s deal include, and how does it compare to Netflix’s offer?
    Paramount Skydance’s offer includes the Warner Bros. movie studio, HBO, HBO Max, and a collection of cable channels. It outbids Netflix’s offer by $18 billion and is an all-cash deal compared to Netflix’s cash and stock offer.

    What is the potential impact of Paramount Skydance’s bid on the market dynamics?
    If the deal goes through, Paramount Skydance believes it will benefit the creative community and face fewer regulatory hurdles. However, a Netflix-WBD merger would create a company with over 400 million subscribers, considerably larger than its nearest competitor, Disney.

  • Score Major Savings with YouTube TV’s Win-Back Offer: Everything You Need to Know

    Score Major Savings with YouTube TV’s Win-Back Offer: Everything You Need to Know

    YouTube TV is making efforts to regain former subscribers by offering a substantial discount. Individuals who have recently ended their subscription may be eligible for savings of up to $60.

    New Attraction for Previous Subscribers

    In a bid to reconnect with past subscribers, YouTube TV, under Google’s umbrella, is proposing a “we miss you” perk. Reportedly, the streaming behemoth is subtly unveiling a retention offer for certain users who have previously terminated or suspended their subscriptions.

    This offer isn’t a universal price reduction, so don’t anticipate it appearing spontaneously on your bill. Based on an unnamed source, a portion of users have uncovered a promotional code that discounts their one-month subscription cost by $60.

    Determining Eligibility

    Since this is a targeted strategy to regain customers, individuals must seek out the offer. Here’s how to do it:

    Access YouTube TV via a web browser (not the mobile app).
    Click on your profile icon and navigate to Settings.
    Choose Membership.
    Under the “Base Plan” section, look for a Manage button or a visible offer.

    If you find the promotion, you have the option to redeem it immediately. However, if you don’t see it, you might be momentarily out of luck.

    There’s no doubt that streaming costs are becoming exorbitant. With YouTube TV’s monthly cost nearing $83, it is considerably one of the most expensive options available, even though it is one of the highest quality services. A $60 discount, even just for one month, makes the service more competitive, particularly against chief competitor Hulu + Live TV.

    For comparison, Hulu + Live TV currently begins at approximately $89.99 per month (with ads included), although this price incorporates Disney+ and ESPN+, adding significant value if you utilize these services. On the other hand, more affordable alternatives like Sling TV range around the $40-$60 mark but come with a more complicated channel division (Orange vs. Blue) and fewer premium features like unlimited DVR.

    Obtaining YouTube TV for roughly $20 positions it in an attractive price bracket, albeit for a limited period.

    Reconsidering YouTube TV

    If I had recently terminated my YouTube TV subscription due to cost, this offer would not be sufficient to entice me back. In my view, the service provides the most seamless live TV experience available for purchase. Nevertheless, I would require more than a one-month discount to return if the initial issue was with pricing.

    Additionally, if you discontinued because the platform lacked specific channels (like the A&E networks or regional sports networks) or if you are drawn to the bundled value of Hulu, a temporary price reduction will not resolve these inherent issues. However, if you’re merely aiming to save money during football season, there’s no harm in accepting the offer, as there’s no contract to sign, and you have the freedom to transition to a more affordable option.

    Questions & Answers

    What is YouTube TV’s new offer?
    YouTube TV is offering a discount of up to $60 for one month to certain former subscribers in an attempt to win them back.

    How can I find out if I am eligible for the discount?
    To check eligibility, log in to YouTube TV from a web browser, click on your profile icon, go to Settings, select Membership, and look for a Manage button or visible offer under the “Base Plan” section.

    Is this offer enough to draw back former subscribers?
    While the discount makes the service more competitively priced for a month, it might not be enough to attract former users back long-term, especially if they left due to high costs or lack of certain channels. However, as there are no contracts, there’s no harm in taking the offer for the short term.

  • Cathay Cargo Revolutionizes Air Freight With Real-time Customs Clearance Updates

    Cathay Cargo Revolutionizes Air Freight With Real-time Customs Clearance Updates

    Cathay Cargo has become a trailblazer in the industry by being the first airline to provide real-time updates on customs clearance to its customers. They have achieved this by integrating these updates into their EzyCargo platform, and to customers who have already set up ONE Record API links with the airline’s system. This innovation brings a new level of transparency and effectiveness to the air-cargo shipping journey.

    Enhancing Communication with Air Cargo Stakeholders

    This significant development is built upon the IATA ONE Record data protocol. It incorporates customs authorities as a new stakeholder in Cathay Cargo’s real-time customer communication. The integration of customs authority requirements promotes efficiency in the process of cargo shipping.

    Understanding and fulfilling the prerequisites of customs authorities is crucial in the shipping industry. Many require PLACI (pre-load advanced cargo information), and will not allow a shipment to be loaded until they have given clearance. Most also require another level of approval before releasing a shipment upon its arrival. With the new system, customers will have access to live updates as their shipments progress through these stages.

    The initial phase of this project will provide users with clearance status updates from customs authorities in Europe (ICS2 Import Control System), the United States, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates. These updates will be recorded as ONE Record “Logistic Events”. Customers will be able to track the status of their shipment, whether it is still pending, under assessment, permitted for load or not, and if it has been held for inspection or cleared for collection at the destination.

    Improving Efficiency and Transparency

    Before this development, obtaining this information required manual updates from ground handling agents. Now, customers can independently access these updates in real-time, allowing them to take necessary corrective steps or adapt to delays due to customs inspections.

    EzyCustoms and EzyCargo are components of the EzyCargo suite of air cargo tools. These were created by Cathay Cargo’s innovation partner, Global Logistics System (HK) Company Limited (GLS). GLS has also spearheaded other digitalization projects for the airline’s commercial and operational settings, including Click & Ship, Cathay Cargo’s online booking platform.

    James Evans, Cathay General Manager Cargo Commercial, emphasized that this integration demonstrates Cathay Cargo’s dedication to the ongoing digitalization of the air-cargo shipment process. “We recognize the value of involving all stakeholders in the air cargo industry in IATA ONE Record, to enhance the transparency and data connectivity of air cargo,” he said.

    Questions & Answers

    How does this new integration by Cathay Cargo benefit customers?
    This new system provides real-time updates on customs clearance status to customers, enhancing transparency and efficiency in the air-cargo shipping journey.

    What is the ONE Record data protocol?
    The ONE Record data protocol is a standard developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to increase data interoperability in the air cargo industry.

    What is the future plan for this integration?
    This extended ONE Record integration is currently only available to Cathay Cargo customers who are subscribed to the EzyCargo platform. However, the company has plans to integrate this additional visibility into the Cathay Cargo website for registered account holders in 2026.

  • Baozun buys Full Jet to boost luxury e-commerce offer

    Baozun buys Full Jet to boost luxury e-commerce offer

    Baozun, the leading brand e-commerce service partner that helps brands execute their e-commerce strategies in China, today announced that it has entered into a share purchase agreement with all the shareholders of Full Jet Limited (“Full Jet”), to acquire a 100% equity interest in Full Jet. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed on or around February 10, 2021.

    The final enterprise value of Full Jet represents a 12.5x multiple of Full Jet’s 2020 EBITDA, with total consideration consisting of a 50% initial cash payment and deferred payments in cash or equity over the following three years, subject to an annual performance target completion result. In addition, an incentive program is granted to key members of Full Jet’s management team, which is also subject to the annual performance target completion result during the same period.

    Full Jet is a strategic and brand-focused industry expert that specializes in developing go-to-market strategies for high-end and luxury brands entering the Chinese market. Its key business coverage includes brand development, strategic consulting, e-commerce operations, and marketing. Full Jet has successfully leveraged its in-depth knowledge of China’s e-commerce market to support many leading international premium and luxury brand partners and groups. Full Jet has global offices in Paris, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, China.

    According to a recent report issued by independent third parties, China’s personal luxury market was estimated to grow by over 45% in 2020, within which online e-commerce has grown tremendously. In September 2020, Baozun upgraded its luxury group to a tier-1 business unit to better leverage its analytic data, insights, and resources to capture the emerging demand. The Company believes that this strategic acquisition of Full Jet strengthens the Company’s expertise in business development, strategic consulting, and brand management, and expands its geographic touchpoints with premium and luxury brands globally.

    Mr. Vincent Qiu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baozun commented, “We are excited about the acquisition of Full Jet. Baozun and Full Jet share the ambition of helping international luxury and premium brand partners enter China’s fast-growing e-commerce sector. We are confident that our proven track record of capabilities with deep luxury insights and solid infrastructure, combined with Full Jet’s expertise in brand and business development, will provide a compelling value proposition for international labels looking for more strategic and empowered services like us. By capitalizing on the strengths of both parties, we expect to unlock the potential for the future growth of premium and luxury sectors, and we believe such initiatives will become strong growth drivers for Baozun in generating RMB20 billion in annual GMV within the next three to five years.”

    Ms. Sandrine Zerbib, Founder and Managing Partner of Full Jet added, “We are looking forward to beginning a new journey with Baozun. This acquisition opens doors to tremendous new opportunities for both of us. We are impressed with the vision and execution of Vincent and his team that has made Baozun the undisputable leader in China’s rapidly growing market for e-commerce operations and services.

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  • Japan’s first gourmet restaurant delivery app lifts off

    Japan’s first gourmet restaurant delivery app lifts off

    Starting today, Tokyo foodies will no longer have to compromise when they order food for delivery. Japan’s first gourmet restaurant delivery app, Food-e, launches today in central Tokyo. With a curated collection of Tokyo’s best restaurants, exclusively available on Food-e, such as Nobu Tokyo, Elio Locanda, Oak Door, Shunbou and Chinaroom, consumers and companies can order great food, professionally delivered to their homes, offices or other locations of their choice.

    Users can access the app at www.food-e.jp from a browser on their smartphones, tablets or PCs and make their selections from menus of mouth-watering professional photos. The food will be delivered in high-quality packaging, with hot and cold items separated to control temperature. Food-e’s drivers are uniformed and insured, full-time professionals, expert in Tokyo’s roads, who will delicately handle the food to your door. Food-e is also the first delivery app offering bilingual customer service to both restaurants and users.

    For restaurants owners, Food-e has changed the traditional business model of delivery apps by charging users a fair fee for delivery and significantly lowering the commissions paid by restaurants. This allows restaurants to make a fair profit on delivery orders while gaining new customers for in-store dining.

    For users, Food-e offers a choice of great restaurants, most of which have never been available for delivery before, at prices generally the same as in-store dining. All of Food-e’s restaurants are not available on any other delivery app.

    Initially, Food-e’s delivery area is a 5km radius from Nishi Azabu, which includes parts of Minato, Chuo, Chiyoda, Shibuya, Meguro and Shinjuku wards. In the near future, Food-e will expand to other parts of Tokyo and eventually to other major cities in Japan.

    Following the official launch today, Food-e will regularly add new restaurants, offering users high quality and an increasing variety of cuisines.

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  • Tata Offers Emergency Service Support For Fani Cyclone-Affected Customers

    Tata Offers Emergency Service Support For Fani Cyclone-Affected Customers

    Tata Motors has announced initiating a special emergency service support for Tata vehicle owners who were affected by the untimely Fani cyclone in Odisha. The carmaker is offering free towing service to all Tata Motors vehicles that might have been damaged as a result of the unprecedented rains and strong winds in the state. Tata customers in the affected area can call Tata Motors Roadside Assistance to get their vehicles towed to the nearest Tata Motors authorized service center.

    Speaking on this initiative, Subhajit Roy – Senior General Manager & Head Customer Care (Domestic and International Business), PVBU, Tata Motors, said, “We are deeply saddened by the devastating effects of Cyclone Fani that has struck Odisha and its neighboring states. We at Tata Motors are extending prompt services across Odisha to give our customers the much-needed respite. We are currently offering free as well as discounts on services on Tata Cars across the state’s cyclone-hit areas to provide our customers utmost care.”

    In addition to that, the company will also offer special discounts and offers to customers with cyclone-affected cars. This currently includes – 50 percent discount on the spare parts on customer liability, a 50 percent discount on the labor on customer liability, and the provision of exclusive towing trucks till the situation betters. Furthermore, the company has ensured the availability of special call center executives who are fluent in the regional language for seamless communication.

    Tata Motors Roadside Assistance can be contacted at 1800 209 7979

  • SATO Launches Cloud-based Labeling Data Management Service

    SATO Launches Cloud-based Labeling Data Management Service

    Restaurant chains, supermarkets and retailers spread across wide geographic areas face serious challenges with data management for product labeling. As labeling data updates are often supported by system administrators but carried out by local teams, the process has traditionally been time-consuming, entailing a process fraught with possibility of error. Research shows two top priorities among organizations in terms of data management are increasing efficiency and protecting their reputation and brand. Over half (52%) of organizations maintain high-quality data for the purpose of increasing efficiency, while 39% do so to protect their brand1.

    With SATO App Storage, users can streamline processes and ensure the highest level of accuracy in their labeling operations. By centralizing management of labeling data, food and retail chains can ensure product information is always up to date and accurate. Administrators can arrange for updates of label data and label designs to be automated in real time or scheduled for specified locations. The SATO system reduces the time required for data management operations by over half2 when performing label data updates. It automates updates of apps and printer settings when replacing printers and streamlines management of seasonal label data for holidays and price markdowns.

    Also the service features a cloud network of proven security, safety and high availability with best-in-class SLA performance, an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to prevent exploits and SSL/HTTPS encryption for secure communication.

    “Our secure and maintenance-free cloud printing service ensures up-to-date data anytime, anywhere for peace of mind and cost savings,” said Hayato Shindo, President of SATO International Co., Ltd. “Paired with our native value-added services that enable management of label data, design templates and the devices themselves, SATO now offers a comprehensive labeling management solution.”

  • Trade Me valued below bid offer

    Trade Me valued below bid offer

    Online marketplace Trade Me has seen its shares independently valued at between $5.93 to $6.39 per share, below the standing offer of $6.45 per share made by Titan to acquire the business in December 2018. Titan, which is owned by private equity fund Apax Partners, proposed to acquire 100 per cent of Trade Me shares by way of a scheme of arrangement. With the valuation, the offer will potentially pay shareholders a premium.

    The independent valuation was carried out by adviser Grant Samuel & Associates Limited, which was appointed by Trade Me to assess the merits of the offer by Titan.

    Shareholders are expected to vote on the matter on 3 April 2019, online or in-person in Wellington, with Trade Me recommending that shareholders vote in favour of the scheme.

    Though at least 75 per cent of shareholders need to vote in favour of the scheme, it must also be approved by the High Court of New Zealand, as well as the Overseas Investment Office.

    Should the vote go through, and all necessary conditions are satisfied, the scheme is expected to be implemented on or around the 8 May 2019.

    The marketplace turned 20 earlier this week, with chief executive John Macdonald noting he is “humbled that [1.8 million] Kiwis still visit us everyday.”

    “This is a big moment for us… our platform has given thousands of Kiwi entrepreneurs an opportunity to make their own business and reach an audience they’d never have found without us,” Macdonald said.

    “Many a garage across the country was converted into a new online business and a number of those have grown into substantial stores which still sell with us today.”

    Macdonald had initially intended to step down after 15 years at the business in December 2018, though agreed he would stay on until past the end of 2018 in order to help facilitate the takeover.

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  • Time is running out for Sears offer

    Time is running out for Sears offer

    Sears chairman Eddie Lampert’s last minute plans to save the bankrupt retail chain are set to be terminated on Friday afternoon, New York time, should they be determined to not be a “qualifying bid”. The first plan, a US$4.4 billion offer to purchase Sears, would provide ongoing positions for 50,000 employees and is the “best outcome for the debtors and their creditors and other stakeholders,” according to documents filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

    The second plan, however, is an offer to acquire at least 250 stores as a going concern, as well as certain assets across the home services division and certain intellectual property.

    Earlier this week the business confirmed a further 80 stores would be closing by March, alongside the 40 already announced, with liquidation sales expected to begin in early January 2019.

    GlobalData Retail managing director Neil Saunders mused that the brand had hit rock bottom and was “essentially worthless” in its current state.

    “Ultimately, reinventing Sears now would be akin to raising the Titanic and making is seaworthy again: a thankless and rather pointless task,” Saunders said.

    Lampert stepped down as company chief executive when it filed for bankruptcy in October.