Disney Expects 21st Century Fox Acquisition to Close Next Week
Disney's historic takeover of large parts of 21st Century Fox is expected to be complete next week.
The Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday that its $71.3 billion acquisition of Fox is set to close Wednesday, March 20.
Last week, CEO Bob Iger, said the takeover would close "soon." The companies had previously indicated it would happen mid-year, so the new timing suggests that Mexico's regulator, the only remaining international agency left to formally approve the deal, has given its green light.
Disney paid $71.3 billion for most of Fox, including the film and television studios; cable networks FX and National Geographic; and an additional 30 percent stake in Hulu, bringing Disney's stake to 60 percent.
Among the marquee franchises that Disney is set to inherit include Fox's superhero properties, such as X-Men and Deadpool, which will fall under Marvel Studios' control.
The new Fox, which includes Fox News and the Fox broadcast network will operate as a separate company after the mega-deal closes.