This is the end of a file that has dragged on for too long for Disney. The group has just announced that it will take full control of the Hulu streaming platform. The cost of the operation is astronomical, and will be at least $8.61 billion.
For this amount, the company will recover the share that belonged to Comcast. In recent times, relations between the two companies have been complicated, and the big-eared firm's rival has stripped Hulu of flagship programs across the Atlantic such as Saturday Night Live and The Voice. Content that it intended for its own Peacock streaming service.
Disney must relaunch
Disney welcomed the transaction in a statement: “Acquiring Comcast's stake in Hulu at fair market value will further Disney's streaming goals” .
Remember that Hulu is only available in the United States, but it is a goose that lays the golden eggs with no less than 48 million subscribers. The service includes popular series such as Only Murders in the Building and The Bear, also available on Disney+ in the rest of the world.
As our colleagues from the New York Times explain, this operation is part of a difficult context for Disney is struggling to make its streaming activities profitable, while the television business model is struggling. Investors are starting to tremble, while the company's stock is around $80 and almost reached $200 two years ago.
As we explained to you recently, the entertainment giant is far from being defeated. Some experts believe the company could soon divest itself of its television assets. This is the case for the ABC news channel, but also FX and Disney Channel. The name of its sports bouquet ESPN is also often cited, and it sharpens Apple's desire.
If this trend were confirmed, Disney would then focus on three sectors of activity which seem poised for good growth. future: amusement parks, film studios with its flagship Star Wars and Marvel franchises, as well as its Disney+ streaming platform. You can reread our analysis article on this subject here.
What to remember:
- Disney will buy Comcast's shares in the Hulu streaming platform
- The entertainment giant will therefore be the sole master on board
- Disney is trying to relaunch itself after several delicate years
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