Comcast, GE Agree On NBC Universal Valuation

November 9, 2009

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November 9, 2009

Comcast cleared a hurdle Sunday toward the cable giant buying NBC Universal, General Electric's TV and film subsidiary. The two companies agreed NBC Universal is worth about $30 billion. Now, they have to convince French media conglomerate Vivendi, which owns 20 percent of NBC Universal, to sign onto the deal.

STEVE INSKEEP, host:

NPRs business news starts with a media merger edging closer.

(Soundbite of music)

INSKEEP: The cable company Comcast is still hoping to buy NBC Universal, which, of course, has TV networks and a movie studio and local TV stations, among other assets. Comcast has been negotiating with General Electric, which owns NBC Universal right now. Yesterday, they agreed that NBC Universal was worth about $30 billion.

Now the two sides have to convince the French media conglomerate Vivendi to sign on because Vivendis a part owner of NBC Universal and has not yet agreed. Comcast sees NBC Universals media content as a good fit for its cable service.

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