Michelle Chapman, AP Business Writer
Disney pays Comcast’s NBCuniversal nearly $439 million on its Hulu interest, bringing full control of its streaming services.
This move closes the assessment process that has been dragged over for several years. Disney said in November 2023 it had acquired a 33% stake in Hulu from Comcast for at least $8.6 billion. That amount reflects the $27.5 billion Hulu’s guaranteed floor value, according to regulatory filings.
Disney has been running Hulu since 2019, and Comcast has given Disney authority and has become a virtually quiet partner.
Hulu began in 2007 and quickly evolved as a service backed by entertainment conglomerates. Disney will be participating in 2009 and will be offering shows on ABC, ESPN and Disney Channel. Ten years later, Disney won the majority management of the business when it won 21st Century Fox.
Disney said in regulatory submission Monday that the appraiser reached an assessment below the guaranteed floor value early in the assessment process, while NBCUniversal appraiser reached the assessment well above the guaranteed floor value.
A third appraiser was brought in and concluded that Walt Disney Co. would pay $438.7 million for Hulu shares.
“We are pleased that this has finally been resolved. We have formed a productive partnership with NBCuniversal and wish them good luck,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement. “By completing the Hulu acquisition, there is a way to further and seamlessly integrate Hulu’s popular entertainment content with Disney+ and its direct consumer products soon, providing an unparalleled value proposition.”
The transaction is expected to close by July 24th. It is not expected to affect Disney’s adjusted revenue forecast for fiscal year 2025.
Disney stocks rose slightly in Tuesday morning trading.
Original issue: June 10th, 2025, 10:26am EDT
