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Comcast to Separate Media and Technology Businesses in Spinoff

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Comcast to Separate Media and Technology Businesses in Spinoff

Comcast (CMCSA) said Monday it plans to split into two publicly traded companies, separating its NBCUniversal and Sky media businesses from its broadband and connectivity operations as the media giant aims to boost strategic focus for each unit.

The proposed spinoff, expected to be tax-free, is anticipated to be completed in about one year, subject to customary conditions, including board approval. Upon completion, Comcast shareholders will own shares in both Comcast and NBCUniversal.

Comcast's shares rose about 20% in the most recent premarket activity.

After completion of the proposed separation, Comcast will focus on its broadband, wireless and business services operations. NBCUniversal, together with Sky, will become an independent publicly traded company with media and entertainment assets including theme parks, film and television studios, NBC and Telemundo networks, Peacock and Bravo.

Brian Roberts, chairman and co-chief executive officer of Comcast, will remain actively involved in the leadership of both companies. "The transaction we are announcing will unlock a more entrepreneurial management approach and open up a multitude of new opportunities for each business," Roberts said in a statement.

Mike Cavanagh, who currently serves as co-chief executive officer of Comcast, will become CEO of NBCUniversal, while former Chief Financial Officer Michael Angelakis will return as CEO of Comcast following the separation.

"Comcast will continue to build on its leadership in connectivity, while NBCUniversal, together with Sky, will have the scale, brands, content and financial resources to compete as a premier global media and entertainment company," Cavanagh said.

Comcast said it expects to retain up to a 19.9% stake in NBCUniversal for up to one year after the spin-off.

Comcast earlier this year completed the spinoff of its cable TV networks and digital assets into the separately traded company Versant Media (VSNT).

The latest separation announcement comes as media companies pursue consolidation to gain scale. Earlier this month, Fox (FOX, FOXA) agreed to acquire Roku (ROKU) in a cash-and-stock deal that values the TV streaming platform at about $22 billion.

Earlier this year, Paramount Skydance (PSKY) agreed to acquire rival Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) in a deal with an enterprise value of $110 billion. The US Justice Department's antitrust division recently cleared the deal.

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