When the realization that The Walt Disney Company would own 60% of Hulu after their purchase of 21st Century Fox assets came to light, many concluded that the company would likely attempt to grow their share even further, buying out other owners AT&T and Comcast. Now, with one domino already down, Disney is reportedly in talks with Comcast to buy their share of the streamer.
- According to CNBC sources, Comcast is in discussions with Disney to sell their share of Hulu.
- That stake was 30%, however AT&T’s recent sale of its 9.5% share back to the streaming service earlier this month means that Comcast now owns approximately 33%.
- Disney retains 66% of Hulu thanks to their acquisition of Fox’s 30% share plus AT&T sell back.
- Currently, it is said that Comcast is weighing their options in terms of a sale.
- In fact, in an interview with the CNBC, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said, “On Hulu, the relationship with NBC, it’s very much in everybody’s interest to maintain. And we have no new news today on it, other than it’s really valuable. And we’re really glad we own a large piece of it.”
- Meanwhile, Disney is launching their Disney+ streaming service on November 12th and has indicated it will “likely” offer a bundle with Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+.
Flashback — Disney and Comcast
- Comcast previously attempted to outbid Walt Disney Company for the 21st Century Fox assets Disney ultimately purchased.
- They also managed to purchase the U.K.’s Sky network away from Fox ahead of Disney’s acquisition (Comcast purchased a majority share, with Fox later agree to sell their minority stake as well).
- Oh, and there was that one time back in 2004 when Comcast tried to buy — wait for it — Disney itself.
- Needless to say, there’s certainly some history between these two media titans, making the battle for Hulu all the more interesting.