Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Jul 27, 2017 0:47:09 GMT -6
deadline.com/2017/07/viacom-ends-talks-buy-scripps-networks-1202136912/
Viacom Ends Talks To Buy Scripps Networks
Scripps Networks told Viacom today that it will not pursue a sale to the entertainment company, electing to continue talks just with Discovery Communications, we’re told.
The decision followed a four hour meeting yesterday by the Scripps family.
It’s said to have concluded that Discovery’s ability to finance a deal is more secure. In addition, the programming company behind HGTV, Food Network, and the Travel Channel was seen as better aligned culturally with Discovery than with Viacom.
A deal could come as early as next week. Discovery is believed to be preparing a combination cash and stock offer. Wells Fargo Securities’ Marci Ryvicker says Scripps might go for as much as $95 a share, about $10 more than its closing price today. The company also likely would get at least one seat on Discovery’s board.
Viacom was weighing the possibility of making an all-cash offer, Reuters reported.
But many analysts considered that too risky. Viacom likely would have had to take on more debt, jeopardizing its investment grade rating — someting that CEO Bob Bakish has vowed to protect.
Bakish also has been looking to narrow Viacom’s focus to six core brands: Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., BET, Comedy Central, MTV, and Paramount — with Spike rebranded as a general entertainment service: The Paramount Network
Variety first reported the end of the Variety-Scripps talks.