Good news for the fans who are hoping for the X-Men to join the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Comcast is no longer a threat to the Disney/Fox merger.
Last December, it was revealed that 21st Century Fox had agreed to sell the lion's share of its assets to The Walt Disney Company for $52.4 billion. The announcement brought smile to very many faces as such a deal would allow Marvel Studios to get their hands on the X-Men, Deadpool, the Fantastic Four, and all the Marvel Comics characters whose rights belong to Fox.
Those gleeful faces turned gloomy last month when Comcast Corporation put the Disney/Fox merger in jeopardy by placing a $65 billion bid for the same assets. The Mouse House responded quickly, in less than a week, outbidding its rival with a $71.3 billion offer. But that seemed just like the beginning of a bidding war as analysts forecasted a counterbid from Comcast to arrive soon.
However, the Philadelphia-based global telecommunications conglomerate has issued a press release announcing its withdrawal from the bidding war. According to the company:
Comcast does not intend to pursue further the acquisition of the Twenty-First Century Fox assets and, instead, will focus on our recommended offer for Sky.
The press release includes a statement from Comcast boss Brian L. Roberts which reads as follows:
I'd like to congratulate Bob Iger and the team at Disney and commend the Murdoch family and Fox for creating such a desirable and respected company.
Disney head-honcho Bob Iger too has offered a statement. Here's what he has to say (via Variety):
Our incredible enthusiasm for this acquisition and the value it will create has continued to grow as we've come to know 21st Century Fox's stellar array of talent and assets. We're extremely pleased with today's news, and our focus now is on completing the regulatory process and ultimately moving toward integrating our businesses.
Less than a month ago, the Disney/Fox merger earned a seal of approval from the U.S. Department of Justice. However, a number of other regulatory bodies are yet to give their verdict on the deal. But with Comcast out of the picture, there's now one less reason for the fans to worry about.
