Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has received government approval for a foreign direct investment (FDI) of Rs.418 crore from OFI Global China Fund LLC, marking the return of the Invesco-managed fund to the media company’s shareholder base nearly three years after it exited the broadcaster, according to a report in The Economic Times yesterday.

The approval comes at a crucial time for Zee as it continues its efforts to strengthen its financial position and accelerate growth across its television and digital businesses. (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/zee-entertainment-gets-govt-nod-for-rs-418-cr-investment-from-invesco-fund/articleshow/132078883.cms?from=mdr)

Citing data from the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the ET report said the investment is linked to a share acquisition completed during the January–March quarter of the 2025–26 financial year. The proposal was among 1,141 foreign direct investment (FDI) applications cleared by the Central government during the period. 

The development is significant given Invesco’s history with Zee. Through OFI Global China Fund, the investment firm was once the company’s largest shareholder, holding an 18 per cent stake after acquiring a substantial shareholding from the founding Goenka family. 

However, the relationship later became strained amid disagreements over corporate governance and the company’s strategic direction.

According to the ET report, in April 2023, Invesco exited its investment in Zee by selling its remaining 5.11 per cent stake, comprising around 49.1 million shares, through open-market block deals worth approximately Rs.1,004 crore.