Discovery increases stake in OWN
December 5, 2017
Discovery Communications has completed an agreement with Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo to increase its ownership stake in its successful OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network joint venture.
Under the terms of the transaction, Discovery paid $70 million (€59m) to acquire an additional 24.5 per cent stake in OWN from Harpo, Inc., after taking into account net debt at the network, increasing Discovery’s ownership stake to more than 70 per cent. This transaction represents Winfrey’s first payment from Harpo’s ownership stake in OWN in the 10 years since forming the joint venture with Discovery. Winfrey’s Harpo, Inc. will retain a significant minority interest in OWN and Winfrey will continue in her role as CEO, with her exclusivity commitment to the network extended through 2025.
“Ten years ago, Oprah and I began to imagine what a network, inspired by her vision and values, could mean to viewers across the US,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery. “In an increasingly crowded landscape, OWN has emerged as the leading destination for African-American women and one of the strongest superfan brands across all screens and services. This transaction allows Discovery and Oprah to unlock more value from our partnership; extends once more her commitment to the network; and lets us continue our strong work together to nourish OWN viewers with the content they love.”
“Creating OWN and seeing it flourish, supported by Discovery and a rapidly growing group of the finest storytellers in film and television, is one of my proudest achievements,” said Winfrey. “I’m thrilled with the network’s success and excited about this next chapter in our partnership. Together, we’ll continue to inspire our viewers with real-life stories that are emotional and entertaining, connecting them to each other and to their greatest potential.”
Launched in 2011, OWN has become the #1 network for African-American women with the top four original scripted series on ad-supported cable.