Disney Sells 50% Stake in A+E Global Media to Hearst for Over $1 Billion
Disney is preparing to sell its 50% stake in A+E Global Media to Hearst Communications in an all‑cash deal valued at just over $1 billion. The transaction is in its final stages and is expected to be announced alongside Disney’s quarterly earnings presentation in early August.
President and chairman Paul Buccieri will remain in charge of A+E Global Media, reporting to Hearst CEO Steven R. Schwartz (also referenced as Steve Swartz). The sale began under former Disney CEO Bob Iger and was completed under current CEO Josh D’Amaro. Disney’s investment in the joint‑venture carried a value of about $2 billion, with a $147 million impairment taken in the latest quarter. A+E Global Media operates cable networks including A&E, History, Lifetime, FYI and Vice TV, as well as content units such as A+E Studios.
Entities: A+E Global Media · Hearst Communications · Paul Buccieri · Steven R. Schwartz · The Walt Disney Company
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Paul Buccieri will remain president and chairman of A+E Global Media after the transaction. (all)
- [● 3 SOURCES] Disney is selling its 50% stake in A+E Global Media to Hearst Communications. (all)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Buccieri will report to Hearst CEO Steven R. Schwartz (also referenced as Steve Swartz). (all)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The deal is an all‑cash transaction valued at just over $1 billion. (all)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The sale began under former Disney CEO Bob Iger and was completed under current CEO Josh D’Amaro. (all)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Disney’s investment in A+E Global Media had a carrying value of about $2 billion and a $147 million impairment charge in the quarter. (all)
- [● 3 SOURCES] A+E Global Media operates cable networks A&E, History, Lifetime, FYI, Vice TV and content units such as A+E Studios. (all)
- [● 2 SOURCES] The sale is expected to be finalized next week and announced with Disney’s August earnings (around Aug 5). (all)