Comcast tests India waters with Bodhi Tree stake buy

Comcast Corp’s $200-million investment in Bodhi Tree Systems-owned entities through its media company, NBC Universal, signifies the US-based communications behemoth’s debut in India’s media and entertainment sector.

On Wednesday, the Competition Commission of India cleared NBC Universal’s acquisition of a stake in BTS Investment 1 Pte Ltd and Bodhi Tree Systems VCC, which are owned by Asia Initiatives Pte Ltd. Asia Initiatives is a joint venture between James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems and former Star India chief executive Uday Shankar. Bodhi Tree is a minority shareholder in Reliance Industries-controlled Viacom18, which owns a bouquet of entertainment channels.