Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly mulling on a doable acquisition of media outlet CNBC.
In accordance with an unique report by The New York Put up quoting an individual aware of the developments, the billionaire has been exhibiting curiosity in shopping for the media community, and has been signalling the identical to his enterprise associates.
The fourth richest particular person on this planet is mulling to amass CNBC after it’s spin off by NBCUniversal dad or mum Comcast later this yr, The Put up reported.
Livemint couldn’t independently confirm the small print of the report. This text will likely be up to date if there’s an official affirmation on the identical.
A second supply near Bezos advised the newspaper that CNBC would “align nicely along with his pursuits”, including that the cable community might act as a a reputable “impartial voice” in his media portfolio. This might come as a big reduction to the previous Amazon boss who has confronted scrutiny after buying ‘left-leaning’ Washington Put up.
How a lot will Jeff Bezos pay for CNBC?
It was unclear to The Put up on how a lot cash Jeff Bezos, the fourth richest particular person on this planet with a $241 billion internet price, would pay to presumably purchase CNBC.
Comcast, the dad or mum entity of CNBC, doesn’t reveal financials for its cable property. Nevertheless, in a latest assertion it stated that the soon-to-be spun-off Versant gave out round $7 billion in income final yr.
As a part of the spin-off, CNBC will combine into Versant, a publicly traded firm, which can later be run by a number of NBCUniversal executives, led by CEO Mark Lazarus.
Bezos’ CNBC goals ‘tough’
The New York Put up additional reported that shopping for CNBC will likely be ‘tough’ for Jeff Bezos.
Following the spin-off of Versant, CNBC and others, the publicly traded firm won’t be able to promote main property just like the media firm for 2 years with out having to face main tax implications, based on the report.
A supply quoted by the newspaper additionally stated that Bezos has not approached the cable large headed by CEO Brian Roberts.
One other supply near the event reportedly stated Versant plans to develop CNBC, relatively than promoting it.