Comcast Corporation, the main cable television operator in the United States – owner, among others, of the NBC network and the Universal Pictures studios – has launched a takeover bid from 22,1 billion pounds (about 25 billion euros) on the European group Sky, for which the Fox by Rupert Murdoch has already signed an agreement as part of the deal with Disney last December.
The offer carries a price of £12,50 per share (11% higher than last night's closing value on the Stock Exchange), well above the £10,75 per share agreed by Fox. The Murdoch Group had offered 11,7 billion to acquire 61% of the US company but the operation had suffered stop by the British Antitrust.
Comcast has announced that it sees in the acquisition of the satellite group based in London but operating in many European countries "a strategic opportunity to acquire a leader in the production and distribution of content in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe". However, the US broadcaster intends to maintain the Sky brand and culture, said Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts.
Comcast has a very limited presence in the UK market and for this reason the transaction should not raise concerns in the UK regulator.
