Disney is set to pay around $439 million to Comcast’s NBCUniversal to gain full ownership of Hulu, solidifying its control over the popular streaming service. This decision comes after a lengthy appraisal process that has taken several years to complete. Back in November 2023, Disney announced plans to acquire a 33% stake in Hulu for a minimum of $8.6 billion, based on its assured value of $27.5 billion.
Hulu started in 2007 and was created to give traditional entertainment companies an edge against the rise of the internet and streaming services. Disney joined Hulu in 2009 with the intention of showcasing content from its various channels, including ABC and ESPN. A big moment for Disney came when it took majority control of Hulu in 2019 after acquiring 21st Century Fox.
According to Disney’s latest filings, their appraisers initially valued Hulu lower than the guaranteed floor price, while NBCUniversal’s appraiser placed a much higher figure on its worth. A third appraiser was then called in, concluding that Disney would pay approximately $438.7 million for the stake.
Disney’s CEO Bob Iger expressed satisfaction at the resolution of the transaction, thanking NBCUniversal for a productive partnership. He noted that acquiring Hulu would allow for better integration of its entertainment offerings with Disney+ and ESPN’s streaming service, ultimately benefiting consumers.
The deal is expected to finalize by July 24 and is not projected to have an effect on Disney’s earnings forecast for fiscal year 2025. Following the announcement, Disney’s shares saw a slight increase in the morning trading session.
