Rupert Murdoch cuts Sky ties with sale to Comcast

By Fadzai Pasi | 27 September 2018
 
Rupert Murdoch

Rupert Murdoch's 21st Century Fox have agreed to sell 39% stake in British broadcaster Sky to Comcast.

The news comes four days after Comcast won a bid for group sky costing $US40 billion offer price. This did not include the 39% stake from Fox which was valued at around $US15 billion ($AUD21 billion).

The takeover by the US cable group call ends Murdoch’s three-decade relationship with the UK broadcaster.

In 2010 Murdoch attempted to take full control of sky but abandoned his bid amidst the phone-hacking scandal. He tried again in 2016 but the deal didn't come off.

The loss of the Sky stake means it will be easier and cheaper for Disney to acquire the majority of Murdoch’s Fox for $US71 billion and lessen the debt once they acquire Fox next year.

“Nearly 30 years ago Rupert Murdoch took a risk to launch Sky," Sky chief executive Jeremy Darroch said.

“We close one chapter while simultaneously opening another. Our aim is to make the next 30 years as exciting for customers, colleagues and all our stakeholders.”

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