Advanced Television

M&A

Discovery to acquire Scripps for $14.6bn

Suggesting that the combination will accelerate growth across linear, digital and short-form platforms around the world and create a global leader in real life entertainment, Discovery Communications and Scripps Networks Interactive, have signed a definitive agreement for Discovery to acquire Scripps in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at $14.6 billion (€12.44bn) or $90 per share, based on Discovery’s July 21st closing price. The purchase price […]

July 31, 2017

Dish TV, Videocon d2h merger close to wrapping

The proposed merger between two of India’s DTH pay-TV giants, Dish TV and Videocon d2h is close to being concluded. India’s National Company Law Tribunal has given the plan its approval. The next stages are for the two companies concerned to seek the approval of India’s Ministry of Broadcasting, which while not being a foregone […]

July 28, 2017By Chris Forrester

Viacom drops Scripps bid

Viacom is reported to have dropped out of talks to buy Scripps Networks Interactive.  Industry trade magazine Variety, for example, is reporting that the decision – although not confirmed by any of the parties – leaves the road clear for Discovery Communications to pursue a deal with Scripps. The current picture is that Discovery and […]

July 27, 2017By Chris Forrester

Viacom cash bid for Scripps?

Viacom has reportedly told Scripps Networks that it is willing to the US TV network operator in an all-cash deal. The move by Viacom could potentially mean that the $14.3 billion ($12.3bn) media company would lose its investment-grade status to buy the $10.6 billion Scripps. Discovery Communications is also in the running to acquire Scripps, […]

July 26, 2017

Facebook acquires Source3 to combat video piracy

In a move that will help it keep track of illegally-shared content on its platform, Facebook has acquired intellectual property start-up Source3. Announcing the deal on its official website, Source3 founders Patrick F Sullivan, Benjamin Cockerham and Scott Sellwood, said: “Today, we wanted to let everyone know that we’ve decided to continue our journey with […]

July 25, 2017By Colin Mann

Speedcast buys UltiSat for $100m

Fast-growing Australian satellite uplink and TV facilities company Speedcast is buying Maryland-based UltiSat for “up to $100 million” spread over two years. UltiSat has a teleport in Blaavand, Denmark. The purchase price is based on the financial achievements of UltiSat this year and into 2018. The core price is $65 million, with additional potential payments […]

July 25, 2017By Chris Forrester

MTG acquires Kongregate

MTG has completed the previously announced acquisition of 100 per cent of US games publisher and developer Kongregate Inc. for an Enterprise Value of $55 million (€47.2m). Jørgen Madsen Lindemann, MTG President and CEO: “Consumers now spend almost a third of their mobile device time playing games, and Kongregate is a great fit with our […]

July 24, 2017

Discovery, Scripps merger would see cost savings and clout

Discovery Communications is reportedly in talks with Scripps Networks International about merging their broadcasting assets. While the discussions are far from confirmed, analysts at MoffettNathanson Research (MNR) issued a timely note to investors that examined the potential benefits. MNR says: “Given the mix shift to skinny vMVPD sports and news bundles, declining viewership trends and […]

July 21, 2017

Decision deferred on Fox Sky bid

UK Culture Secretary Karen Bradley has told Parliament that the government will not make a decision on 21 Century Fox’s bid to acquire the remaining shares in Sky before the parliamentary recess, but said that a decision would be announced “within weeks”. According to Bradley, she remains minded to refer elements of the deal concerning […]

July 20, 2017By Colin Mann

Discovery and Scripps talk merger again

Not for the first time, but once again, Discovery Communications and Scripps Networks Interactive are talking about merging their broadcasting assets. Although it is by no means certain that a deal will be consummated, the mere fact that the pair have reportedly come back to the negotiating table is indicative of a willingness to explore […]

July 19, 2017By Chris Forrester