The mega-merger between Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India and its local rival Zee Entertainment has finally been blessed—a full two years after the two companies reached an initial agreement to join forces.

India’s National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the merger on Thursday, and Sony and Zee will now be able to create a media and entertainment powerhouse valued at US$10 billion. The companies plan to merge their production operations and take advantage of access to a combined 75 linear channels, as well as streaming services Zee5 and SonyLIV. The latter features a mix of acquired and proprietary kids movies including Zee’s Fish School, Love U Ganesha (pictured) and Space Chicken, plus original family-friendly shows from Sony such as Indian Idol and a local format of Who Wants to be a Millionaire?

When the deal closes, Sony will own 51% of the merged company, with a 3% share for Zee, and existing private investors controlling the rest of the stake. A merger date hasn’t been set in stone yet, but in the meantime, an interim committee of senior executives will run the company and take care of day-to-day operations. 

Since the deal was announced in 2021, this merger has sparked numerous antitrust concerns. But last year, the companies made concessions such as price discounts and obtaining competition approval for the merged entity.

Zee Group is one of India’s largest privately owned TV networks. Merging with Sony will create a major media powerhouse in the region that can compete with the bigger operators such as The Walt Disney Company India and Network18.