Hearst and Disney reach an agreement for Hearst to acquire Disney’s 50% stake in A+E Global Media, the joint venture that operates cable channels including Lifetime, History, A&E, and FYI. Multiple outlets report the transaction is valued at about $1.2 billion and is structured as a cash payment from Hearst to Disney. The deal follows the long-standing 50-50 partnership between the two companies, which has operated A+E Global Media for decades.
Deadline reports the agreement is expected to close in September, indicating a future completion date rather than an immediate transfer of control. Other coverage describes Disney’s exit from the venture and Hearst gaining full ownership as the core outcome of the sale. The reports are consistent in identifying the key business entity—A+E Global Media—as the target of the purchase and in noting that Disney currently holds half of the company.
Overall, the sources agree that Hearst will move from co-owner to sole owner of A+E Global Media upon closing, with Disney receiving approximately $1.2 billion in cash for its stake.
