The Mouse chases the Fox: Disney makes $71B counteroffer
NEW YORK — The mouse is chasing the fox.
Disney is offering more than $71 billion for Fox’s entertainment businesses in a counterbid to Comcast’s nearly $66 billion offer .
The battle for Twenty-First Century Fox reflects a new imperative among entertainment and telecommunications firms. They are amassing ever more programming to better compete with technology companies such as Amazon and Netflix for viewers’ attention — and dollars. The bidding war comes after AT&T bought Time Warner for $81 billion.
Disney’s move had been expected since Comcast made its bid last week. Disney said it’s raising its offer because Fox’s value increased due to “tax reform and operating improvements.”