Part 4/11:
- Market and Competitive Pressures: Disney is actively integrating Hulu into its broader streaming strategy, alongside Disney+ and ESPN+. Speeding up the acquisition aligns with their goal to unify major streaming assets and strengthen their competitive position.
Historical Context: The Hulu Deal and Its Valuation
To understand the significance of this accelerated sale, it’s essential to revisit the history of Hulu’s ownership structure:
- Disney’s Majority Stake: In 2019, Disney increased its stake in Hulu to roughly 66% when it acquired 21st Century Fox’s entertainment assets. This move made Disney the majority owner, with Comcast holding the remaining minority shares.