According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Comcast and Disney remain considerably far apart in their ongoing negotiations over control of Hulu. Under the long-standing agreement between the two companies, beginning in 2024, Comcast can force Disney to buy its remaining one-third stake in Hulu, or Disney can demand that Comcast sell. According to WSJ, both sides want a deal but they can't even come close to agreeing on a price. - The pre-standing deal sets a $27.5 billion minimum value on Hulu.
- In a previously undisclosed arbitration case between the companies, Comcast claims that Disney permanently injured Hulu by failing to launch the platform outside of the US.
- Both companies plan to re-assess Hulu's value at the start onf 2024; if they still can't come to an agreement, an independent third party will be consulted.
- While negotiations continue, Comcast has entirely stopped funding Hulu; Disney has provided a bridge loan to keep the streamer operational in the interim.
- Despite the complications, Disney is moving forward with its plans to integrate Hulu content into Disney+ in the US by the end of 2023.
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