A&E Acquires Lifetime, Expands Its Holdings in Home Entertainment

Strategic Insights -

A&E Television Networks announced its plan to acquire Lifetime Entertainment Services, adding to its portfolio of channels including A&E and the History Channel. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year, although terms remain undisclosed. A&E Television Networks, a joint venture of the Walt Disney Co., Hearst Corp., and General Electric Co.'s NBC Universal, will now include A&E Network, History Channel, Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Biography, History International, Lifetime Real Women, History en Espanol, Military History, and Crime & Investigation Network.

Key Takeaways:

  • A&E Television Networks will expand its holdings to include Lifetime Entertainment Services, adding to its portfolio of channels.
  • The deal, expected to be completed by the end of the year, will bring together A&E Network, History Channel, and Lifetime Television under one umbrella.
  • A&E Television Networks is a joint venture of the Walt Disney Co., Hearst Corp., and General Electric Co.'s NBC Universal.
  • The acquisition will not alter the ownership structure of Lifetime, which is currently owned 50-50 by Disney and Hearst.
  • A&E's expanded holdings will include a range of channels, including Lifetime Entertainment Services' networks, Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Biography, History International, Lifetime Real Women, History en Espanol, Military History, and Crime & Investigation Network.

Statistics:

  • 5 networks will be added to A&E's portfolio: Lifetime Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Biography, History International, and Lifetime Real Women.
  • A&E Television Networks is a joint venture of 3 major companies: the Walt Disney Co., Hearst Corp., and General Electric Co.'s NBC Universal.
  • 50-50 ownership structure: Disney and Hearst currently own Lifetime Entertainment Services.
  • The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • Hollywood Reporter
  • Walt Disney Co.
  • Hearst Corp.
  • General Electric Co.'s NBC Universal