Disney to Acquire Full Control of Hulu for $439M: A Streaming Giant Takes Over

Dhaka, June 11 — Disney plans to pay Comcast’s NBCUniversal approximately $439 million to acquire its share in Hulu, thereby gaining complete control over the streaming platform.

This transaction concludes an evaluation period that has lasted several years. In November 2023, Disney announced plans to purchase a 33% share in Hulu from Comcast for a minimum of $8.6 billion. The filing with regulators indicated this sum represented Hulu’s set floor valuation of $27.5 billion.

In 2019, Disney took over Hulu from Comcast, who then stepped back to become an inactive partner, according to AP.

Launched in 2007, Hulu rapidly transformed into a platform supported by major media corporations aiming to combat the rise of online content through an internet-based channel featuring their television programs. In 2009, Disney became involved, intending to provide series from networks such as ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channel. By the end of this period, which spanned ten years, Disney had taken over controlling interest in the company after purchasing 21st Century Fox.

In a regulatory document submitted on Monday, Disney stated that their evaluator determined a worth lower than the assured minimum value during the early stages of the evaluation procedure. Conversely, NBCUniversal’s assessor provided an estimate significantly above this guaranteed minimum value.

A worldwide service disruption impacts ChatGPT, with numerous users experiencing difficulties accessing it.

A third evaluator was brought in and determined that The Walt Disney Co will pay $438.7 million for the stake in Hulu.

I’m delighted that this has been settled at last. Our collaboration with NBCUniversal has been highly fruitful, and we extend our wishes for their continued success,” stated Disney CEO Bob Iger. “Finalizing the Hulu deal will enable us to integrate Hulu’s broad range of entertainment offerings into Disney+ more deeply and seamlessly. This move also sets the stage for incorporating these services within ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer platform, offering customers an unparalleled combination of choices.

The transaction is anticipated to close by July 24. It’s not expected to impact Disney’s fiscal 2025 adjusted earnings forecast.

Disney shares increased marginally during early trading on Tuesday.