Disney Closes $71 Billion 21st Century Fox Deal
After 15 months of wrangling and planning, Disney has formally sealed the deal on its $71 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox.
“This is an extraordinary and historic moment for us — one that will create significant long-term value for our company and our shareholders,” Disney chairman-CEO Bob Iger said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. “Combining Disney’s and 21st Century Fox’s wealth of creative content and proven talent creates the preeminent global entertainment company, well positioned to lead in an incredibly dynamic and transformative era.”
Related stories
Disney Purchase of Fox Ushers in Age of Media Giants (Analysis)
Fox Corp. Pays Disney Sale Dividend, Sets May 9 Investor Meeting
'Frozen' the Musical Opening in London in 2020
Disney took possession of 21st Century Fox at 12:02 a.m. ET. Assets changing hands in the deal include: Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Family, and Fox Animation; Fox’s television creative units, Twentieth Century Fox Television, FX Productions, and Fox21; FX Networks; National Geographic Partners; Fox Networks Group International; Star India; and Fox’s interests in Hulu, Tata Sky, and Endemol Shine Group.
Disney emphasized that the transaction is designed to help the company “increase its international footprint” and “expand its direct-to-consumer offerings.”
Earlier on Tuesday, 21st Century Fox completed the separation of assets that are moving to Disney and those that will comprise the foundation of Fox Corporation, which began trading on the Nasdaq as a standalone entity on Tuesday morning. Fox Corp. shares opened at $41.55 and were down 3.2% at the close of trading, to $40.34.
As Disney and Fox Corp. settle in to a new world order, employees at both companies are bracing for the impact of large-scale layoffs to come in Burbank and Century City. The number of cuts could reach as high as 4,000 positions. Disney was still informing some senior 21st Century Fox employees of their status with the new company as late as Monday.
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
