BURBANK, Calif.: The Walt Disney Company announced Wednesday that it will acquire the 33% stake in Hulu, LLC held by Comcast Corp.’s NBC Universal (NBCU), following Comcast’s November 1 exercise of its right under the put/call arrangement between the two companies.
The acquisition Comcast’s stake in Hulu “at fair market value” will “further Disney’s streaming objectives,” the company said in a press release, and comes as it strives to boost subscriber numbers at its Disney streaming service.
The California-based entertainment giant already sells Hulu as part of bundled offerings with its Disney and ESPN platforms.
Under the terms of the put/call arrangement, by December 1, Disney expects it will pay NBCU approximately $8.61 billion, representing NBCU’s percentage of the $27.5 billion guaranteed floor value for Hulu that was set when the companies entered into their agreement in 2019 minus the anticipated outstanding capital call contributions payable by NBCU to Disney. Under the appraisal process agreed to by Disney and Comcast, Hulu’s equity fair value will be assessed as of September 30, 2023, and if the value is ultimately determined to be greater than the guaranteed floor value, Disney will pay NBCU its percentage of the difference between the equity fair value and the guaranteed floor value.
While the timing of the appraisal process is uncertain, it is anticipated that it should be completed during the 2024 calendar year.
