So there is a multi-layered story going around right now about Comcast teasing that they will make a $60B CASH Offer for FOX if the AT&T/Time Warner merger is allowed to happen.
https://mobile.reuters.com/article/amp/idUSKBN1I82I7?__twitter_impression=trueThis is ontop of them also pitching to do a full buyout of the Sky Broadcasting in Europe.
the different angles pitched on this is that ONE, this is crazy talk, because not only would paying all this in cash severely cash strap Comcast, but according to a supposed FOX Stock holder, that $60B doesn't even include the $12B of FOX debt that the Disney deal of $52B in stock assets absorbs. And on top of that, there are severe taxes to be had with that much cash involved in a transaction, which also according to the same supposed FOX shareholder, makes the Disney offer still seem much better, as the stocks assets are tax deferred and still appreciating.
Now the other side of this is that Comcast is announcing this before a decision is made in the AT&T merger because they are trying to force a decision, and in the meantime push news that will hopefully make Disney stock take a dip that will depreciate the stock value and make the offer seem less desireable from a $ for $ stand point.
So from my understanding this is the financial breakdown Comcast is willing to put down to spoil this for Disney:
$30B for the portion of Sky that Fox don't own
$60B for Fox in CASH
$12B for the Fox debts that they will have to absorb to sweeten the deal and at least match Disney.
a total of $102B? That seems quite steep. And I think if they make this acquisition happen, it might make Comcast even bigger than AT&T if their merger is allowed to go thru.