Disney may acquire part of 21st Century Fox as other contenders drop out
If approved, Disney will get Fox’s movie and TV studio, including National Geographic, as well as an increased stake in Hulu — and the X-Men and the Simpsons
London/Los Angeles — Walt Disney may announce a deal as soon as this week to acquire a large piece of 21st Century Fox, according to a person familiar with the matter, transferring legendary Hollywood properties to new owners. Comcast, the other major contender for the Fox assets, said on Monday that it’s no longer in the running. A trust belonging to Fox executive chairperson Rupert Murdoch and his family would end up with a small stake in Disney in the transaction, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private. Disney would acquire Fox’s movie and TV studio, networks, including FX and National Geographic, and international assets including Star India’s TV channels and a 39% stake in European satellite provider Sky. Disney would also get Fox’s stake in US streaming-video provider Hulu, doubling its ownership to 60%. 21st Century Fox would keep Fox News, the Fox broadcast network and Fox Sports 1. The company would remain independent, at least i...
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