Media and entertainment sector ripe for mergers and acquisitions

Experts in consensus that such activity should be on the rise, led by digital, film and gaming segments

A panel of experts discussing the future of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the media and entertainment (M&E) sector was optimistic about deal activity and consolidation here.

While regulatory hurdles persist, the emergence of numerous digital platforms, rising popularity of gaming as a segment and investments in the film industry, the sector is looking at a healthy activity period.

Media veteran A P Parigi believes that in the past, M&A activity was impeded by a lack of willingness among banks to take risks in M&E. "With PEs (private equity investing entities) coming in, this changed. This and listing of companies brought in