Comcast and GE receive regulatory clearance for NBC Universal

Comcast and General Electric announced that they have received regulatory clearance from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice for the joint venture that will consist of the NBC Universal businesses and Comcast’s cable networks, regional sports networks and certain digital properties. The joint venture will be 51 percent owned by Comcast, 49 percent owned by GE and managed by Comcast. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of January.“We are grateful for the leadership of FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Assistant Attorney General Christine Varney, the other FCC Commissioners and their staffs for the months of hard work that went into reviewing an unprecedented number of documents and public comments,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comcast.Under the terms of the transaction, GE will contribute to the joint venture NBC Universal’s businesses, including its cable networks, filmed entertainment, televised entertainment, theme parks and unconsolidated investments. Comcast will contribute its cable networks, including E!, Versus and the Golf Channel, its regional sports networks and certain digital media properties, and make a payment to GE subject to certain adjustments based on various events between signing and closing.Steve Burke will become Chief Executive Officer of NBC Universal at the official close of the transaction.