Disney’s Agreement with Comcast for Full Operational Control of Hulu
May 17, 2019
On May 14, 2019, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) and Comcast Corporation (“Comcast”) announced that Disney will assume full operational control of Hulu, effective immediately, in return for Disney and Comcast entering into a “put/call” agreement regarding NBCUniversal’s 33% ownership interest in Hulu. Under the put/call agreement, as early as January 2024, Comcast can require Disney to buy NBCUniversal’s interest in Hulu and Disney can require NBCUniversal to sell that interest to Disney for its fair market value at that future time. Hulu’s fair market value will be assessed by independent experts but Disney has guaranteed a sale price for Comcast that represents a minimum total equity value of Hulu at that time of $27.5 billion. Cravath is representing Disney in connection with the transaction.
The Cravath team is led by partner George F. Schoen and includes associates Joshua Ayal, Sarah R. Jacobson and P. Purun Cheong on M&A matters; partner Nicholas A. Dorsey on securities matters; partner David J. Kappos and associate Kathryn‑Ann Stamm on intellectual property matters; partner Evan R. Chesler and associate Jeffrey A. Ritholtz on litigation matters; and senior attorney Christopher J. Kelly on banking matters. Ryan J. Wichtowski also worked on intellectual property matters.
Related Practices & Industries
People
- Photo
-
-
J.D., 1998, University of Chicago Law Schoolwith Honors
-
B.A., 1994, Cornell University
- New York
Education
Admitted In
- Photo
-
-
J.D., 2009, Cornell Law SchoolOrder of the Coif, summa cum laude
-
M.Acc., 2006, Case Western Reserve Universitysumma cum laude
-
B.S., 2006, Case Western Reserve Universitysumma cum laude
- New York
Education
Admitted In
- Photo
-
-
J.D., 1990, University of California, Berkeley, School of Law
-
B.S., 1983, University of California, Davissumma cum laude
- New York
- California
- District of Columbia
Education
Admitted In
- Photo
-
-
J.D., 1999, Harvard Law School
-
B.A., 1996, Columbia UniversityPhi Beta Kappa, summa cum laude
- New York
Education
Admitted In
- Photo
-
-
J.D., 1975, New York University School of LawOrder of the Coif, John Norton Pomeroy Scholar, cum laude
-
M.A., 1973, Hunter Collegesumma cum laude
-
A.B., 1970, New York University
Education
Related News & Insights
Deals & Cases
January 06, 2025
Disney’s Combination of its Hulu + Live TV Business with Fubo
On January 6, 2025, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) and FuboTV Inc. (“Fubo) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement for Disney to combine its Hulu + Live TV business with Fubo, forming a combined virtual MVPD company of which Disney will become the majority owner.
Deals & Cases
April 04, 2024
Disney’s Successful Proxy Contest Against Trian and Blackwells
On April 3, 2024, The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) announced that, based on the tabulation of its proxy solicitor, it appears that Disney’s full slate of 12 directors has been elected by a substantial margin over the nominees of Trian and Blackwells at Disney’s 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Cravath is representing Disney in connection with this matter.
Deals & Cases
August 08, 2023
ESPN’s Agreement with PENN Entertainment to Launch ESPN BET
On August 8, 2023, ESPN announced an agreement with PENN Entertainment (“PENN”) to launch ESPN BET, a branded sportsbook for fans in the United States. PENN Entertainment will rebrand its current sportsbook and relaunch as ESPN BET, effective this Fall in the 16 legalized betting states where PENN Entertainment is licensed. The rebrand includes the mobile app, website, and mobile website. In connection with the transaction, PENN Entertainment has agreed to grant ESPN warrants to purchase approximately 31.8 million PENN common shares that will vest ratably over 10 years, with the potential for ESPN to receive additional bonus warrants to purchase up to an additional approximately 6.4 million PENN common shares. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. Cravath is representing The Walt Disney Company (“Disney”) in connection with the transaction.
