The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Disney has re-engaged in discussions with 21st Century Fox regarding purchasing a wide selection of assets. Several people with knowledge of the discussions have stated that the talks have gained steam.
As was previously reported, the talks center on the 20th Century Fox movie and TV studio, international assets, and several cable networks. The deal is not expected to include the Fox broadcast network and stations, as well as news and sports networks.
The Murdoch family, which controls the company, is expected to make a decision by the end of the year.
Other suitors are also reportedly circling the assets, including NBCUniversal owner Comcast.
Check out our article on what Disney would get with a Fox acquisition.
UPDATE (12/5/17): According to a new report by CNBC, Disney and Fox are nearing a deal that could be announced as early as next week. They also speculate that, under a Disney deal, current Fox shareholders would get one share of the remaining Fox company in addition to a fixed exchange ratio of Disney shares. We’ll let you know if and when this acquisition becomes official.
UPDATE (12/11/17): And then there was one… CNBC is now reporting that Comcast is dropping their pursuit to buy the Fox assets on the table. In a statement, the company said “When a set of assets like Fox’s becomes available, it is our responsibility to evaluate if there is a strategic fit that could benefit our company and our shareholders. That is what we tried to do and we are no longer engaged in the review of those assets. We never got the level of engagement needed to make a definitive offer.” This leaves Disney as the only currently interested buyer.
UPDATE (12/12/17): With Comcast out of the running, CNBC now expects a deal could be announced this Thursday. While the exact value of the assets for sale is still not known, many place them around $60 billion.