Hearst to Acquire Disney's 50% Stake in A+E Global Media for $1.2 B

U.S. media conglomerate Hearst announced a cash deal to purchase The Walt Disney Company's 50% ownership of A+E Global Media for approximately $1.2 billion. The transaction, expected to close in September, will give Hearst full control of the television and content business that includes the A&E, History, Lifetime, FYI and Vice TV brands. A+E reaches more than 414 million households across 200 territories in 40 languages. Paul Buccieri will remain president and chairman of A+E Global Media, reporting to Hearst CEO Steven R. Swartz. Disney is exiting the joint venture, which began in 1984, to focus on its streaming services and ESPN. The acquisition ends a decades‑long partnership and positions Hearst as the sole owner of a profitable, debt‑free cable network portfolio.