George S. May Business Blog

Comcast / General Electric / NBC deal looks to be a lock

Comcast may be as little as a week away from buying out a controlling stake in NBC Universal from General Electric. Comcast would take a 51% stake creating a $30 billion joint venture. The deal does also hinge upon part owner Vivendi agreeing to sell its 20% stake in NBC Universal back to GE.

The NBC Universal channels business has steadily grown its international footprint. Having acquired the rights to the Hallmark brand in Europe, following the £174 million purchase of Sparrowhawk in 2007, the rebranded Universal Networks has gone on to build a portfolio that also includes Universal Channel, 13th Street Universal, Syfy Universal (the former Sci Fi), Diva Universal and Studio Universal.

Comcast also holds international interests running local versions of E! Entertainment and Style Network.

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