Tag Archives: merger

Disney-Fubo Merger Combines Sports and Entertainment

Communications, , , , , ,

Disney has announced a merger combining Hulu+ Live TV with Fubo, marking a significant change in the streaming industry. The agreement gives Disney a 70% ownership stake, while Fubo shareholders will maintain 30% of the consolidated entity.

The partnership brings together two established streaming services with different strengths. Hulu+ Live TV offers an extensive entertainment library, while Fubo has built its reputation on comprehensive sports coverage. Both services will continue to operate independently after the merger, allowing subscribers to maintain access to their current platforms while potentially benefiting from expanded content options from live sports and breaking news to acclaimed series and family entertainment.

The financial aspects of the deal include a $220 million cash payment from Disney to Fubo and a $145 million term loan. These investments are expected to make Fubo cash flow positive immediately. The agreement also resolves legal disputes between Fubu and Disney regarding Venu, the sports streaming service proposed by Disney, Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Fubo’s current management team will lead the combined organization, with Disney appointing the majority of the board of directors. This structure aims to preserve each company’s expertise while developing new opportunities for growth. The merger addresses both companies’ goals: Disney expands its digital presence, while Fubo gains additional resources and content access.

Subscribers can expect continued access to their preferred content, with potential additions to both services’ offerings over time. While specific pricing details haven’t been announced, the combined service aims to remain competitive in the growing streaming market.

Honda-Nissan Merger Would Create a New Automotive Giant

Automobile Industry, , , , ,

The proposed merger between automotive companies Honda and Nissan represents a significant shift in the global automotive landscape. If actualized, it would create the world’s third-largest automaker, behind Toyota and Volkswagen, with a combined market value exceeding $50 billion. Discussions between Honda and Nissan are expected to conclude by June 2025, but it is thought that a new, merged entity would fall under a parent company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, with Honda nominating most of the board members. It is projected that the new entity could generate $191.4 billion and an operating profit exceeding $19.1 billion.

The merger aims to address several key industry challenges through strategic collaboration. By standardizing vehicle platforms and integrating research and development, the companies expect to reduce development costs while accelerating innovation in electric vehicles (EVs) and intelligent driving systems. Honda’s operational effectiveness would complement Nissan’s expertise in SUVs and EV batteries, creating a more comprehensive product portfolio.

Manufacturing efficiency also stands to improve through streamlined production systems and integrated supply chains. The combined entity would offer a diverse range of vehicles, from traditional internal combustion engines to hybrid and fully electric models, meeting varied customer needs worldwide.

The timing of this merger aligns with the industry’s transition toward electric and autonomous vehicles. While immediate benefits include operational cost savings and enhanced market competitiveness, the partnership is viewed as a long-term strategic initiative, with significant results expected post-2030.

In key markets like India, the merger could strengthen their position against emerging competitors, particularly Chinese EV manufacturers. The combined resources would enable faster development of new technologies while spreading investment costs across a larger production base.

This strategic alliance reflects the broader trend of automotive consolidation as manufacturers seek to navigate the complex transition to electric mobility while maintaining competitiveness in an evolving global market.

T-Mobile and Sprint Looking to Merge: Will Government Let Them?

Communications
Graphic courtesy of RRZEicons

As two of the US’s largest telecom companies seek to join forces, state attorneys general are seeking to stop them, for fear of creating a company that will violate anti-competition law.


T-Mobile and Sprint are seeking a merger valued at $26.5 billion in a federal trial due to begin this week in Manhattan, presided over by US Judge Victor Marrero. The judge will listen to arguments against the merger from lawyers representing a group of states, including New York and California, who will say that such a merger will interfere with competition, ending with higher prices for consumers.


The states will assert that it would be a blow to competition to make what is already a small field of four competitors, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T and shrink it down to only three. Even though the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice both ruled in favor of the merger, the states want to argue that the decisions were mistakes and the deal should be prevented.


Spring and T-Mobile lawyers also have reasons to allow the merger, saying that a few crucial things have changed over the years which make a merger more competitive and helpful for consumers.

US Travelers Wary as Airlines Merge

Transportation Industry, , , ,

The computer glitch last Thursday was short, and luckily did not overly inconvenience travelers at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. There was also some impact from the bump on American Airlines flights in Chicago, Miami, and Dallas-Fort Worth airports.

Passengers are hopeful and cautious about the merger of US Airways and American Airlines; hopeful all will go well, and cautious to avoid unnecessary delays or problems.

Chief pilot Tate Willworth, for Leading Edge Aviation, who flies with US Airways/American often for work, said that his luggage is lost about 3 out of 5 times that he flies with them.

He said he is hoping that the merger will improve the running of the company, but he also added:

“I see it like a pack of sled dogs, if you’re not in the lead it’s a bad view.”

The two major airline companies merged in December 2013. Since that time they have been working to bring together 120,000 employees and about 1,000 airplanes, plus nine hubs, under one unified roof. The next giant step will be on October 17, when the company will transfer the reservations system of US Airways into the American Airlines system.