Who Owns Network18 Company?

Network18 Bundle

Get Full Bundle:

	SWOT	$15	$10
	5 FORCES	$15	$10
	BCG	$15	$10
	CANVAS	$15	$10
	4P's MIX	$15	$10
	PESTLE	$15	$10

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

Who Really Controls Network18?

Understanding corporate ownership is crucial for investors and analysts alike, especially in dynamic sectors like media. The story of Network18, a major player in the Indian media landscape, is a compelling case study in strategic shifts and the impact of ownership changes. From its inception to its current structure, the evolution of Network18 SWOT Analysis reveals valuable insights into the company's trajectory.

The question of "Who owns Network18?" is central to grasping its current strategic direction and future prospects. The Network18 group has undergone significant transformations, particularly with the acquisition by Reliance Industries. This analysis delves into the details of the Network18 ownership structure, exploring the influence of its major shareholders and the implications for its diverse business interests, including TV18 Broadcast.

The story of Network18, a significant player in the Indian media landscape, begins with its roots in the early 1990s. Initially, the company was known as SGA Finance Private Ltd., but its ownership and focus evolved over time. Understanding the founders and early ownership is crucial for grasping the company's trajectory and its current structure.

Raghav Bahl and Ritu Kapur were pivotal in establishing the foundation of what would become Network18. Bahl, recognized as the founding and controlling shareholder, played a key role in shaping the company's direction. Kapur also took a significant role in the management.

The evolution of Network18 involved several key changes in ownership and structure. From its initial incorporation to its transformation into a media conglomerate, the company's journey reflects the dynamic nature of the media industry. The early financial challenges also shaped the company's path.

Early Incorporation

Network18 was initially incorporated in 1996 as SGA Finance Private Ltd. The Anil Jindal family were early promoters.

Founders of TV18

Television Eighteen (TV18) was founded by Ritu Kapur and Raghav Bahl in the early 1990s. Raghav Bahl is considered the founding and controlling shareholder of the Network18 Group.

Raghav Bahl's Role

Raghav Bahl began his media career in 1985 and later launched his own television company in 1993. He became a new promoter in 2003, acquiring 91% of newly issued shares.

Ritu Kapur's Management

Ritu Kapur took management control of SGA Finance Private Ltd. in 2002. This acquisition marked a significant shift in the company's direction.

Haresh Chawla's Leadership

Haresh Chawla served as the founding CEO of Network18. He was appointed CEO of TV18 in 1999 and later became the first CEO of Network18.

Financial Challenges

Network18 reported losses in the financial years 2008–2009 and 2009–2010. By September 2011, the group had accumulated over ₹1,400 crore in outstanding debt.

Key Ownership and Historical Context

The early ownership of Network18 involved key figures such as Raghav Bahl and Ritu Kapur. The company's transformation from SGA Finance Private Ltd. to Network18 Media & Investments Limited reflects changes in ownership and strategic direction. The initial public offering (IPO) of TV18 in 1999, which was oversubscribed by 51 times and raised ₹53 crore, marked a significant milestone. For a more detailed understanding of the company's history, consider reading Brief History of Network18.

• Raghav Bahl established the foundation for the Network18 Group.
• Ritu Kapur played a crucial role in the early management of the company.
• Haresh Chawla was the founding CEO, leading the company through its initial phases.
• The company faced financial challenges, including significant debt accumulation by 2011.

Network18 SWOT Analysis

• Complete SWOT Breakdown
• Fully Customizable
• Editable in Excel & Word
• Professional Formatting
• Investor-Ready Format

GET TEMPLATE ➔

The ownership of Network18 has been significantly shaped by its relationship with Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). Initially, facing financial challenges and a debt exceeding ₹1,400 crore by September 2011, Network18 sought financial assistance, leading to discussions with RIL. The partnership was formalized on January 3, 2012, with RIL establishing the Independent Media Trust (IMT) to inject funds into Network18 and TV18 Broadcast. This transaction involved a transfer of ₹5,400 crore, with Network18 receiving a net amount of ₹4,000 crore.

In 2014, RIL solidified its control by acquiring a majority stake in Network18. This acquisition resulted in RIL holding 78% of Network18's shares, and the founders, Raghav Bahl and Ritu Kapur, divested their remaining shares for ₹706.96 crore. By 2019, Reliance Industries held 73.16% of Network18's shares, and by 2023, this had increased to 75%. Teesta Retail, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Investments and Holdings, holds a 1.85% shareholding and is part of the promoter group.

As of March 2025, the promoters, primarily RIL through the Independent Media Trust, hold 56.89% of Network18's shares. Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) increased their holdings from 6.61% to 6.98% in the March 2025 quarter, while Mutual Funds increased their holdings from 0.15% to 0.18% during the same period. Individual investors own 23.49%. This consolidation of ownership under Reliance has significantly impacted the media landscape, integrating Network18's digital and broadcast assets within the Reliance ecosystem. For more information, you can explore the Competitors Landscape of Network18.

Key Takeaways on Network18 Ownership

The evolution of Network18's ownership is largely defined by the strategic investments and eventual acquisition by Reliance Industries.

• Reliance Industries is the primary owner of Network18.
• The Independent Media Trust (IMT) plays a crucial role in the ownership structure.
• Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) and Mutual Funds also hold shares.
• The founders, Raghav Bahl and Ritu Kapur, exited their shares in 2014.

Network18 PESTLE Analysis

• Covers All 6 PESTLE Categories
• No Research Needed – Save Hours of Work
• Built by Experts, Trusted by Consultants
• Instant Download, Ready to Use
• 100% Editable, Fully Customizable

GET TEMPLATE ➔

As of March 2022, the board of directors of Network18 Media & Investments included Adil Zainulbhai as Chairman & Independent Director, Dhruv Subodh Kaji, Rajiv Luthra, and Bhama Krishnamurthy as Independent Directors. PMS Prasad and Jyoti Deshpande served as Non-Executive & Non-Independent Directors. Rahul Joshi was the Executive Director. Ratnesh Prasad Rukhariyar held the position of Company Secretary & Compliance Officer. Rahul Joshi also acted as the managing director, chief executive officer, and group editor-in-chief.

The company's approach to selecting directors emphasizes a board with the right mix of people, size, varied skills, and experience, all dedicated to doing their jobs well. Network18 understands how important Independent Directors are for a strong board and aims to have a good balance of them. Employees directly vote on shares given to them through Employee Stock Option Schemes.

The Network18 owner is primarily controlled by Reliance Industries. With a significant majority stake of 56.89% as of March 2025, Reliance Industries, through the Independent Media Trust, holds substantial control and voting power. This ensures that the strategic direction of Network18 aligns with RIL's broader objectives. This ownership structure significantly influences the company's operations and strategic decisions. For more information, you can read about the Target Market of Network18.

Understanding Network18 Ownership

Reliance Industries is the primary Network18 owner, holding a majority stake. This gives Reliance Industries significant control over Network18's strategic direction.

• Reliance Industries controls Network18 through the Independent Media Trust.
• The significant ownership stake ensures alignment with RIL's broader objectives.
• The board of directors includes independent and non-independent members.
• Rahul Joshi serves as the Managing Director and CEO.

Network18 Business Model Canvas

• Complete 9-Block Business Model Canvas
• Effortlessly Communicate Your Business Strategy
• Investor-Ready BMC Format
• 100% Editable and Customizable
• Clear and Structured Layout

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Over the past few years, the ownership structure of Network18 has been significantly reshaped, primarily due to strategic moves by its parent company, Reliance Industries. A key development is the ongoing merger of Reliance Industries' media assets, including Network18, with The Walt Disney Company India business. This deal, valued at around ₹70,000 crore (approximately $8.5 billion), received regulatory approval in late 2024. The aim is to create India's largest media and entertainment company, encompassing over 100 television channels and extensive content production. Post-merger, Reliance and its affiliates are projected to hold a 63% stake in the joint venture, while Disney will control 36.8%. Nita Ambani will serve as Chairperson of the new entity, with Uday Shankar as Vice Chairperson.

In December 2024, Viacom18 Media, previously a material subsidiary of Network18, became a direct subsidiary of Reliance Industries. This shift occurred after converting over 24.61 crore compulsorily convertible preference shares into equity shares. As a result, Network18 lost control over Viacom18, which is now an associate company. Following this conversion, Reliance Industries holds 83.88% of Viacom18's total equity share capital and 70.49% on a fully diluted basis. Furthermore, in March 2024, Reliance Industries acquired Paramount Global's 13.01% stake in Viacom18 for ₹4,286 crore, further consolidating its position. This restructuring reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the Indian media and entertainment sector, particularly in digital content and sports broadcasting. These changes are crucial for understanding who owns Network18 and the evolving landscape of the media industry.

These strategic moves by Reliance Industries have significantly altered the Network18 ownership structure. Network18 reported a consolidated net loss of ₹1,435.79 crore for the last two quarters of FY25. However, its standalone news business saw operating revenue rise by 4.3% to ₹1,896 crore in FY25, with operating EBITDA nearly doubling. For more insights into the company's structure and its evolution, you can explore additional details on Network18's ownership.

Who Owns Network18?

Reliance Industries is the primary owner of Network18, driving significant changes in ownership.

Major Shareholders

Reliance and its affiliates hold a controlling stake, with Disney becoming a significant stakeholder post-merger.

Key Developments

The merger with Disney India and the restructuring of Viacom18 are the most recent shifts.

Industry Impact

These changes reflect a broader trend of consolidation in the Indian media and entertainment sector.

Network18 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

• Covers All 5 Competitive Forces in Detail
• Structured for Consultants, Students, and Founders
• 100% Editable in Microsoft Word & Excel
• Instant Digital Download – Use Immediately
• Compatible with Mac & PC – Fully Unlocked

GET TEMPLATE ➔

Related Blogs