Comcast split could spark M&A, despite denial

Comcast this morning rocked the media world, announcing plans to split into a pair of publicly traded companies.

The mechanism will be a tax-free spinoff of its media and entertainment assets, headlined by NBCUniversal and Sky.

State of play: The big question is what deal shoe drops next, assuming the split closes sometime next year.

Comcast executives poured cold water on future M&A during the analyst call, with chairman and co-CEO Brian Roberts saying "absolutely not" when asked on an analyst call if investors should view the split as a step toward future strategic transactions.

Zoom in: It makes sense that Roberts would want to project strength for both Comcast and NBCUniversal as standalone businesses.

It also rings hollow, given broader industry consolidation and the fact that everyone in charge is a veteran dealmaker.

Look ahead: Comcast could pursue smaller wireless or broadband providers, or go for a mega-deal with Charter (once it completes its Cox Communications merger in Q3).

NBCUniversal may seek to grow its content library by adding something like Lionsgate, or maybe becomes a takeover target itself. Plan B for Netflix? Is there a tech titan who's tickled by the

Fuente original: Yahoo Finance (https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/comcast-split-could-spark-m-144127501.html)