Univision finally has a buyer
TEXT OF STORY
MARK AUSTIN THOMAS: Here’s another corporate deal that was certainly in the works over the weekend: Univision has finally scored a buyer. The nation’s dominant Spanish-speaking TV network has been on the block since February. This morning we have an agreement — a group of private equity companies is reportedly paying $12.3 billion. Marketplace’s Scott Tong has more.
SCOTT TONG: A group of private equity firms is buying Univision for a reported $12.3 billion.
The acquirers include Madison Dearborn Partners and media mogul Haim Saban, the man behind the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
They’re getting a network that’s outscored even ABC and ESPN as far an American World Cup audience.
Going forward, Jonathan Jacoby of bank of America Securities says Univision’s audience will continue to explode.
JONATHAN JACOBY: Univision is very well positioned to benefit from the changing demographic trends in the US, and that is a Hispanic population that continues to outpace the general market population growth. And it’s a segmented demographic that’s becoming wealthier.
Univision’s main draw is Latin soap operas. And it turns out this segment could end with a twist. Rival bidders, including Mexican broadcaster Televisa, may still try to up the price tag.
I’m Scott Tong for Marketplace.
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