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Electronic Arts in talks to go private at $50 Bn valuation

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Electronic Arts, the videogame publisher known for franchises like FC and Battlefield, is reportedly in advanced discussions to go private at a valuation of around $50 billion, according to people familiar with the matter.

The potential transaction, backed by investors including private equity firm Silver Lake, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners, could be announced as early as next week, the sources noted. If completed, it would represent the largest leveraged buyout in history.

EA’s stock rose more than 15% in afternoon trading following the news.

The gaming sector has been facing rising development costs and stiffening competition, all while trying to satisfy high fan expectations amid a broader decline in discretionary consumer spending.

Electronic Arts, with a market valuation exceeding $42 billion, had projected quarterly net bookings below Wall Street estimates in July.

However, the company is counting on Battlefield 6, the latest installment in its popular shooter franchise, to drive bookings and compete with Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty. EA expects Battlefield 6, set to release during its current fiscal year, to sell millions of copies.

“EA does make sense as an acquisition target – the cash flows are fairly consistent and EA’s annualized titles make for predictable revenue/profitability,” D.A. Davidson & Co analyst Wyatt Swanson said.

EA’s potential privatization, combined with the anticipated launch of Battlefield 6, highlights the company’s strategic efforts to navigate industry challenges, drive growth, and maintain its competitive edge in the gaming market.

PropTech Startup Reloy Targets ₹3,500 Crore Sales This Fiscal Year

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Mr. Akhil Saraf, Founder & CEO, Reloy

Mumbai, September 26, 2025: Reloy, India’s leading homeowner loyalty and referral platform, announced that it is on track to achieve ₹3,500 crore of sales in FY2025-26. The company generated ₹2,000 crore of referral-led sales last fiscal and has already surpassed that figure in the first six months of the current year. With this strong momentum, the company also expects to turn profitable in the current fiscal year—a significant milestone that underscores the scalability and sustainability of its business model.

Reloy is currently working with over 40 of India’s top real estate developers across the country, managing a deeply integrated customer base of more than 2.2 lakh+ homeowners. By enabling developers to build strong relationships with existing customers and converting them into brand ambassadors, Reloy is unlocking a powerful new channel of referral-driven sales.

Speaking on the growth, Mr. Akhil Saraf, Founder & CEO, Reloy, said:

“Developers are realizing the importance of satisfied homebuyers, and we are helping them maintain long-term relationships with their customers. This trust translates into strong referral sales, which have emerged as a win-win for developers, existing homebuyers, and new buyers alike. Traditionally, developers focused only on direct sales and broker networks, overlooking referrals. At Reloy, we’ve built a strong referral system that is creating immense value for all stakeholders.”

Under Reloy’s referral program, existing homeowners are encouraged to refer new buyers, with both parties benefiting through cashback, rewards, and discounts. This model not only drives sales for developers but also fosters a community-driven ecosystem where customers feel valued and engaged.

Reloy’s prestigious clientele includes national partnerships with industry leaders such as Godrej Properties, DLF, M3M India, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, House of Hiranandani, Embassy Group, Mahindra Lifespaces, K Raheja Corp, Brigade Group, Rohan Builders, L&T Realty, Smartworld India, JP Infra, Ajmera Realty, BPTP, and many more.

Beyond sales, Reloy is creating a broader homeowner ecosystem by inviting ancillary brands—including proptech companies, smart home providers, home interiors, home loans, and rental platforms—to build on its platform and offer integrated conveniences to homeowners.

At the core of Reloy’s success is its ConnectRE 4.0 platform, which leverages advanced AI technology to deliver hyper-personalized services at every stage of the homeowner journey—from purchase and onboarding to after-sales engagement. This innovation is setting new benchmarks in the Indian real estate and proptech landscape.

With its proven model and rapidly growing scale, Reloy is poised to redefine how developers approach customer loyalty and sales while empowering homeowners with value-added services and benefits.

About Reloy

Founded in 2015, Reloy is India’s leading PropTech company redefining how real estate developers engage with homeowners and channel partners. We collaborate with 40+ leading real estate developers, 2.2L+ homeowners, and 32,000+ channel partners to create ecosystems that deepen trust and drive growth. Reloy is more than a partner. We are building the operating system of real estate, empowering the entire ecosystem to accelerate sales and deliver lasting value.

Do visit us on reloy.co to understand how Reloy can transform real estate businesses.

UNIQLO strengthens retail footprint in India with new store openings

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Japanese apparel brand UNIQLO has opened its 18th store in India, launching in Pune on Friday as part of its broader expansion strategy. A subsidiary of Tokyo-based Fast Retailing Co., the world’s third-largest apparel retailer, UNIQLO is the group’s leading brand among its eight labels.

In India, the brand is already present in NCR, Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, with Pune now added to the list. UNIQLO entered the Indian market in 2020 with its first store in Gurgaon and has since expanded steadily to 18 outlets.

Kenji Inoue, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of UNIQLO India, highlighted that the company views India as a high-potential market, much like Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the brand has recorded a 60% CAGR and turned profitable within three years. In addition, it crossed the ₹1,000 crore revenue milestone in FY25 with 44% year-on-year growth. Moreover, it doubled net profit to ₹178.4 crore, achieving a 15% profit margin.

Future growth will center on metro cities, e-commerce, and boosting local sourcing. Inoue explained that strong online demand drove the decision to open a store in Pune, as the city’s e-commerce sales rose 163% this year. UNIQLO sells exclusively through its own online store and does not list its products on third-party e-commerce platforms.

Looking ahead, the company aims to strengthen its global presence by opening large-format stores in key international cities across Japan, Asia, Europe, and North America. Moreover, this expansion aligns with its long-term vision of becoming the world’s top apparel retailer.

Summit Hotels makes debut in luxury hospitality with Siliguri flagship

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Sumit Mitruka, CEO & Founder, Summit Hotels & Resorts

Summit Hotels & Resorts has officially entered the luxury hotel segment with the launch of its flagship brand, The Summit, in Siliguri. Slated to open in May 2027, this landmark property marks a significant strategic expansion for the brand—previously known for its mountain-focused portfolio—into the high-end urban hospitality space.

Designed by Vivek Singh Rathore, Partner at Salient and Forbes India “Bold Club” honoree, the resort will blend contemporary global design with the cultural and natural heritage of Eastern India, positioning it as both an architectural icon and the brand’s corporate headquarters.

Setting a new standard for tier-2 hospitality, The Summit aims to position Siliguri as a premier destination for luxury weddings, large-scale corporate events, and upscale leisure travel. Moreover, the property will feature the largest banquet facilities in Eastern India, capable of accommodating up to 2,000 guests and hosting as many as 10 simultaneous events.

The resort will offer a comprehensive wedding ecosystem, including multiple indoor and outdoor venues, ample accommodation for large parties, and dedicated planning services—catering to the region’s growing ₹1 crore-plus wedding market, attracting families from Bihar and Bengal. For the MICE segment, cutting-edge conference technology will serve the expanding corporate presence in Siliguri, delivering premium meeting and event solutions that were previously unavailable in the city.

The lifestyle offerings at The Summit will set it apart from other hospitality options in the region. Guests can indulge in a diverse culinary experience, featuring regional Himalayan specialties, international cuisine, rooftop dining with city and mountain views, and poolside grills.

A dedicated wellness sanctuary will combine traditional Himalayan therapies with modern beauty treatments, while a comprehensive recreational complex will include pickleball and squash courts, a multi-sport ground, indoor gaming zones, and a fully equipped fitness center. Enhancing Siliguri’s nightlife, the resort will also feature the city’s first 40-foot-high nightclub and lounge, complete with panoramic views, international DJs, live entertainment, and premium mixology.

Aligned with Summit Hotels’ commitment to responsible tourism, The Summit aims to achieve green building certifications, generate over 300 local jobs, and collaborate with local artisans and suppliers to incorporate authentic regional elements into its design and guest experience. The resort will also implement water conservation measures and renewable energy solutions, ensuring that sustainability is seamlessly integrated with luxury.

“This resort is our love letter to Siliguri and the entire region,” said Sumit Mitruka, CEO & Founder, Summit Hotels & Resorts. “For 15 years, we’ve welcomed guests to our mountain properties. Now, we’re bringing that same warmth and world-class hospitality to the city that’s been our home. The Summit is our bold step into the luxury market, a destination that will set new benchmarks for Eastern India and put Siliguri firmly on the national hospitality map.”

ELE|NA by Atmosphere Core brings Maldives’ Signature Spa experience to India

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ELE|NA, the spa and wellness brand from Atmosphere Core, is expanding its signature wellness philosophy and spa development expertise to India. Renowned for transforming luxury wellness experiences across the Maldives, ELE|NA will now offer Indian travelers and hospitality partners its distinctive wellness routines, customized spa solutions, and sustainable operational practices.

“India holds a deep legacy of wellness, and with ELE|NA, we aim to create a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern well-being. Leveraging our global and diverse expertise, we are proud to introduce India to wellness sanctuaries that are sustainable, luxurious, and truly transformative,” shares Heidi Grimwood, Vice President, Atmosphere Wellness Pvt. Ltd.

Each ELE|NA spa is designed around four core brand pillars:

  • Nature-Centric Enlightenment – delivering authentic, nature-inspired spa experiences.
  • Sustainable Spirit – integrating eco-friendly practices throughout operations.
  • Zeal for Wellness – driving continuous innovation by combining global expertise with local traditions.
  • Wellness for All – offering inclusive, personalized wellness journeys tailored to diverse guest segments.

With its entry into India, ELE|NA will bring its signature treatments and elemental wellness journeys to guests, while also collaborating with hotels and resorts to design and operate world-class wellness centers.

The brand’s offerings cover the full spectrum of spa development—from turnkey spa management and tailored wellness programs to extensive therapist training—ensuring hospitality partners can enhance their wellness services using a proven, globally respected model.

Ventive Hospitality to acquire a 76% stake in Soham Leisure Ventures

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Ranjit Batra, CEO of Ventive Hospitality Ltd

Ventive Hospitality Limited announced today its plan to enter into definitive agreements to acquire a 76% stake in Soham Leisure Ventures Pvt. Ltd. (Soham), which owns the 104-key Hilton Goa Resort and an adjacent land parcel in Goa. Aligned with Ventive’s strategy to double its room portfolio and pursue value-accretive capital allocation, this transaction—valued at approximately INR 320 crore—marks a significant milestone for the company.

With an initial cash investment of INR 120 crore, Ventive Hospitality will secure the operational 104-key resort, which has potential for an additional 60–65 rooms on the existing site, along with a 4-acre land parcel designated for branded villas, estimated to generate over INR 100 crore in gross sales. Revenue from villa sales will further enhance the company’s cash flows.

This acquisition represents Ventive’s first entry into India’s expanding leisure hospitality sector while strengthening its partnership with Hilton. Set against a panoramic riverfront and offering vibrant F&B experiences in Goa, the Hilton Goa Resort is transforming into an upper-upscale lifestyle property with spacious 55 sq.m rooms. In FY25, the resort recorded an ADR of INR 11,873 with 76% occupancy.

Ventive plans to refurbish the existing resort and expand it with 60–65 additional rooms, a spa, and new F&B concepts. The repositioning aims to establish Hilton Goa as a high-end upper-upscale resort, enhancing ADR, EBITDA, and ROCE, while offering a modernized experience that appeals both to loyal guests and a new generation of leisure and lifestyle travelers in North and Central Goa.

The acquisition significantly enhances Ventive’s portfolio by adding a flagship leisure resort in one of India’s premier destinations, and moreover, it creates opportunities to leverage the local expertise of Sun Estates Developers for future hospitality projects and branded residences in Goa. Additionally, Ventive will refurbish the Hilton Goa Resort’s 104 existing keys and add 60–65 new rooms, aiming to drive higher ROCE. Furthermore, the inclusion of the 4-acre land parcel provides long-term potential for branded villa development, with estimated sales of around INR 100 crore.

The transaction structure also allows Ventive to refinance a significant portion of its existing debt at a lower interest rate, strengthening the company’s balance sheet and improving leverage. At the time of deal closure, the initial investment of approximately INR 110 crore (excluding the land in Goa) is expected to deliver a 13% yield on capital based on trailing FY25 EBITDA. This move aligns with Ventive’s growth strategy to double its portfolio to roughly 4,000 keys over the next five years, marking a strategic entry into India’s rapidly expanding leisure hospitality segment, driven by rising disposable incomes and favorable demographic trends.

Atul Chordia, Chairman and Executive Director of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, said: “The Hilton Goa Resort acquisition is a landmark for Ventive, marking our foray into the leisure market in Goa. This move reinforces our commitment to building a diversified portfolio across business and leisure segments while maintaining capital discipline.”

Ranjit Batra, CEO of Ventive Hospitality Ltd, added: “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Hilton through this resort in North Goa. With refurbishment, new room additions, the Hilton Goa Resort will become a marquee leisure destination. This acquisition reflects our strategy of selective expansion into high-barrier-to-entry markets with strong long-term demand.”

Situated on Saipem Hills in Candolim, North Goa, Hilton Goa Resort is a 104-key luxury property featuring panoramic views, multiple swimming pools, signature F&B concepts, and 16,500 sq. ft. of event space. The resort also offers a range of leisure amenities, including a kids’ club, fitness center, and wellness facilities. Its prime location provides easy access to North Goa’s entertainment hubs and attracts strong domestic and international leisure demand.

Delhi startup Tech AtrioCare transforms healthcare with AI-driven Voice Gym and NOVICULE-TA innovation

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Tech AtrioCare, an innovative healthcare startup, leverages its AI-powered, voice-enabled digital gym and proprietary immunity-boosting formulation, NOVICULE-TA, to transform preventive healthcare. Guided by the principle “Haal-chaal kaisa hai?” (how are you?), the company actively provides personalized healthcare solutions, focusing on improving respiratory and cardiovascular health.

The startup’s voice-enabled digital gym allows users to proactively track and manage their health by sharing humming voice notes via WhatsApp. Moreover, powered by Tech AtrioCare’s proprietary signal processing algorithms—developed through three years of extensive R&D and validation—the platform effectively harnesses AI and machine learning, thereby delivering personalized health insights along with tailored recommendations.

Tech AtrioCare’s proprietary NOVICULE-TA formulation leverages Nitric Oxide augmentation technology to optimize the immune system and, consequently, support the body’s natural defenses. Furthermore, when integrated with the voice-based digital gym, this system enables users to monitor their progress while also receiving personalized recommendations to enhance respiratory health.

The startup is introducing “Haal-Chaal Pravartak 1.0,” India’s first Immunity Challenge for Smarter Breathing, under the theme “Health is the Real Wealth.” This initiative encourages healthy habits, breathing techniques, and immunity-boosting practices while making preventive healthcare more accessible. Participants gain access to the voice-based digital gym and NOVICULE-TA sachets to track progress and receive tailored guidance.

Challenge Highlights

  • Objective: Enable individuals to manage respiratory health and immunity while earning Health Tokens redeemable for real wealth.
  • Format: An online challenge featuring customized plans, health tips, and Health Token rewards based on individual health insights.
  • Prizes: A grand prize for notable improvement and leaderboard performance; Participants can convert Health Tokens into real wealth, creating a new concept called Health Stocks.

Through its innovative model, Tech AtrioCare aims to foster a culture of wellness, empowering people to take charge of their respiratory health. The startup is leveraging AI-driven technology and immunity-enhancing formulations to create a significant impact in biotechnology and preventive healthcare.

Tech AtrioCare has gained backing from premier tech incubators in India, including FITT-IIT Delhi and HTIC IIT Madras, and as a result, the support is helping the startup not only nurture its innovations but also steadily achieve its ambitious goals.

Machan Resorts LLP recognized among Top 10 India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women by Great Place To Work®

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Veena Hooja, partner at Machan Resorts

Machan Resorts LLP, an award-winning hospitality group with over 30 years of excellence, has been recognized among the Top 10 India’s Best Workplaces™ for Women by Great Place To Work® India, reinforcing its commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering, and growth-oriented environment for women in hospitality.

The recognition highlights Machan Resorts’ consistent focus on nurturing talent, fostering equal opportunities, and building a culture where women professionals can thrive. From leadership development programs to structured mentorship and training initiatives, the brand has been at the forefront of championing workplace equity.

“The dedication and creativity of the women in our team drive Machan forward. Recognizing their efforts is our way of honoring their invaluable contribution,” said Veena Hooja, partner at Machan Resorts.

Sakshi Sarmandal, Director of Talent and Culture, further added:

“We believe that empowering women is not just about representation but about creating meaningful opportunities for growth, leadership, and innovation. This recognition is a testament to the strong culture of learning and inclusion we have cultivated, where every woman feels valued, supported, and inspired to achieve her full potential.”

Machan Resorts continues to strengthen its diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring that its workplace remains not just a Great Place To Work®, but a place where women can lead, excel, and inspire the future of hospitality.

Edtech startup Vedantu raises $11 Mn from existing investors 

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L-R: Pulkit Jain, Anand Prakash & Vamsi Krishna, co-founders, Vedantu

Bengaluru-based edtech startup Vedantu announced on Friday that it has secured $11 million in funding from its existing backers, including Accel, Temasek-supported impact investment firm ABC World Asia, and Omidyar Network, as part of a larger ongoing round.

The company intends to use the capital to enter new categories through both organic expansion and acquisitions, while also strengthening its investments in technology, artificial intelligence, and adaptive learning content.

Additionally, the edtech startup is in advanced discussions with potential new investors to raise further capital, which may include a secondary share sale enabling some of its early investors to exit.

“The upcoming external round and secondary process will further strengthen our balance sheet, align our shareholder base, and set us up for a potential public market listing in calendar year 2027,” said cofounder and chief executive Vamsi Krishna.

Vedantu, founded in 2011 by Krishna, Anand Prakash, Saurabh Saxena, and Pulkit Jain, entered the unicorn club in September 2021 after securing $100 million in a funding round led by ABC World Asia.

According to an earlier report, the company achieved profitability in the quarter ending March 2025, with customer collections surging 67% year-on-year to ₹90 crore.

For FY24, Vedantu’s operating revenue grew 21% to ₹185 crore, while its losses narrowed by 58% to ₹157 crore. The firm has not yet submitted its FY25 financial statements to the Registrar of Companies (RoC).

IndoSpace to invest $57 Mn in 66-acre logistics park at Bhiwandi

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India’s leading investor, developer, and manager of industrial and logistics real estate IndoSpace announced plans to invest $57 million to build a 66-acre logistics park in Bhiwandi, a key logistics hub in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). This fresh commitment adds to the $330 million the company has already invested in Maharashtra to enhance the state’s infrastructure and logistics ecosystem.

IndoSpace, which currently operates over 52 grade-A parks across 11 cities in India, will launch the Bhiwandi park in phases within this financial year. The facility will feature both ready-to-move-in spaces and build-to-suit (BTS) solutions, catering to diverse business needs across industries.

Anshuman Singh, managing director and chief executive officer, IndoSpace, said, “The launch of our Bhiwandi park highlights IndoSpace’s role in expanding India’s supply chain backbone. As the country experiences shifts in consumption, manufacturing, and global trade linkages, the availability of reliable logistics infrastructure becomes critical. Our approach is centred on building facilities that combine operational efficiency with long-term sustainability, aligning with the broader imperatives of India’s economic growth.”

With a development potential exceeding 1.7 million sq. ft., the Bhiwandi park will serve businesses in e-commerce, third-party logistics, FMCG, automotive, and electronics sectors. Designed with a strong focus on sustainability, IndoSpace Bhiwandi will feature green spaces and infrastructure built in line with ESG standards and certifications, ensuring both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.

Bhiwandi, already a well-established warehousing hub in Maharashtra, benefits from excellent connectivity to Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. Its strategic importance has further increased with direct access to the Mumbai–Nagpur Samruddhi Expressway. The upcoming IndoSpace Bhiwandi park will enable businesses to cater to regional demand and streamline supply chain operations more efficiently.

Meanwhile, India’s warehousing and industrial park sector continues to experience strong growth. Data from Cushman & Wakefield shows that Mumbai led leasing activity in the first half of 2025 with 7.0 msf, contributing 23% of all-India leasing and marking a 131.3% year-on-year surge, driven by robust warehousing and industrial demand. At the national level, overall leasing reached 30.7 msf, reflecting a 21.6% Y-o-Y increase.