Two big MSOs are in the midst of two big deals involving networks. Cox Communications is set to sell the Travel Channel, and may get over $900 million for it, while Comcast is negotiating to buy a controlling interest in NBC-Universal.
The two most frequently mentioned bidders for the Travel Channel are News Corp. and Scripps Networks. The latest reports suggest that Cox Communications might end up forming a joint venture with the winning bidder, and retain a minority stake in the Travel Channel, in order to avoid a large tax Cox might incur if it were to divest itself of the channel entirely.
Comcast, meanwhile, continues to negotiate with General Electric to buy a 51 percent interest in NBC Universal, at a price that various reports peg at between $4 billion and $6 billion, plus a couple of Comcast’s current network channels.
The deal is complex, and includes another company, Vivendi, which currently holds a 20 percent stake in NBC Universal. Vivendi reportedly has veto power over the deal.
Comcast attempted to buy Disney in 2004.
