There are multiple reports that the reported $60 billion bid could be close, with indications that could be confirmed/announced tomorrow (Thursday).
Disney became the front runner over other suitors, including tech-comms giants Comcast and Verizon, on Tuesday because of owner Rupert Murdoch’s preference to be paid in the US entertainment company’s stocks.
Two people familiar with the situation told The New York Times that an agreement could be finalised as early as Thursday this week, although it is unclear how Fox’s bid for the remaining shares of Sky it does not already own – currently under investigation by the CMA – will affect the final terms.
Analysts say the purchase is driven by Disney’s desire to strengthen its streaming capabilities and bolster its content distribution model against the field’s leaders Netflix and Amazon through its Prime Video service. Disney pulled its content from Netflix earlier this year, and will be launching an as-yet-unnamed video on demand service in 2018.
The move would also bring hit 21st Century Fox properties, such as Avatar and the X-Men movie franchise, to Disney’s portfolio.
