MUMBAI, India–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Invesco Developing Markets Fund (“Invesco”), Zee Entertainment’s (NSI: ZEEL) (“Zee” or the “Company”) largest shareholder with an ownership interest of nearly 18%, today issued the following statement on the Bombay High Court’s decision recognizing Invesco’s requisition for an extraordinary general meeting (“EGM”) as legally valid and upholding Invesco’s right to requisition an EGM at Zee:
We are pleased with the Bombay High Court’s ruling, which we view as an important reaffirmation of shareholder rights in India and the mechanisms under Indian law to hold Boards accountable to their shareholders. The ruling is a boon for corporate governance in India and a win for shareholder democracy.
Since we announced our intention to requisition an EGM and add six independent directors to Zee’s Board of Directors, Zee has entered into a merger agreement with Sony. We continue to believe this deal in its current form has great potential for Zee shareholders. We also recognize that, following the merger’s consummation, the board of the newly combined company will be substantially reconstituted, which will achieve our objective of strengthening board oversight of the company. Given these developments, and our desire to facilitate the transaction, we have decided not to pursue the EGM as per our requisition dated 11 September 2021.
Invesco will continue to monitor the proposed merger’s progress. If the merger is not completed as currently proposed, Invesco retains the right to requisition a fresh EGM.
About Invesco Ltd.
Invesco Ltd. is a global independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. Our distinctive investment teams deliver a comprehensive range of active, passive and alternative investment capabilities. With offices in more than 20 countries, Invesco managed $1.6 trillion in assets on behalf of clients worldwide as of December 31, 2021. For more information, visit www.invesco.com
About Invesco Developing Markets Fund and Our Commitment to India
Invesco Developing Markets Fund is a US registered investment company which as of December 31, 2021, has approximately US 45.2 billion assets under management. Invesco Advisers, Inc. serves as the Fund’s investment adviser. Invesco Advisers, Inc. is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.
As of December 31, 2021, the Invesco Developing Markets strategy held investments totaling USD 7.9 billion (INR 59,000 crores approximately) in India – representing about 17.3% of our total assets under management worldwide. This exposure represents a significant over-weight in favor of India within our global allocation and signifies our continued conviction in the strength and vitality of India’s economic future. Further, these investments, including Zee, are almost all long dated and reflect our 15+ year history of investing in India.