Disney exits A+E as media conglomerate Hearst gains full ownership in $1.2 billion deal

Disney exits A+E as media conglomerate Hearst gains full ownership in $1. 2 billion deal Disney+ logo is seen in this illustration taken August 5, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration · Reuters Reuters Wed, August 5, 2026 at 1:17 AM GMT+2 1 min read Aug 4 (Reuters) - Privately held U.

S. media conglomerate Hearst on Tuesday struck a deal to acquire ‌Disney's 50% stake in A+E Global Media for about $1. 2 ‌billion in cash, giving it full ownership of the television and ​content business.

Disney's exit from A+E follows the company's efforts to prioritize streaming and ESPN, even as it evaluates the role of some traditional linear TV assets amid declining cable ‌subscriptions. • The transaction ⁠is expected to close in September. A+E will then become a wholly owned Hearst business ⁠within the company's entertainment group, Hearst said in a statement.

• A+E, previously a 50-50 venture between Hearst and Disney, ​operates television ​brands including A&E, Lifetime, The ​History Channel, LMN, FYI ‌and Vice TV. It reaches more than 414 million households across 200 territories in 40 languages. • The company would continue expanding its content business across platforms and international markets following the deal, said Paul Buccieri, A+E's president ‌and chairman.

• "We look forward to supporting ​Paul Buccieri and A+E Global ​Media's leadership team as ​they continue to make must-see programs and ‌innovate around the great History, ​Lifetime and A&E ​brands," Hearst CEO Steven Swartz said. • Hearst, which also owns an 18% stake in ESPN, has interests ​spanning television, newspapers, ‌magazines, financial services and healthcare information businesses.