Disney takes full control of Hulu in $8.6bn Comcast deal

Disney has completed its acquisition of Comcast’s remaining stake in Hulu, finalizing its full ownership of the streaming platform.

The deal, announced 9 June, sees Disney paying a total of $8.6 billion, including a final settlement payment of approximately $439 million to Comcast business NBCUniversal.

The collaboration started in 2007, when the pair of media conglomerates launched the Hulu streaming app (at the time it was one of the first online media services, operated by the traditional networks and studios).

Hulu predated Disney+ and Comcast's Peacock app.

In the subsequent years Disney has incrementally increased its stake in the Hulu platform, which, following a deal to secure a controlling interest in 2019, has been 'bundled' to customers alongside the Disney+ and ESPN+ services.

Internationally, Hulu produced shows like 'A Thousand Blows', 'The Rivals' and 'American Horror Stories' are streamed via Disney+.

The final handover to Disney comes after a prolonged valuation process.

Analysts expect Disney to integrate Hulu more deeply into its global streaming strategy, particularly as it eyes profitability and scale in a highly competitive market.