Will Disney acquire Hearst Corporation?

[Horace Horsecollar]

Disney owns a lot, but shares some of it with Hearst:
A&E Networks - 50% Disney, 50% Hearst
ESPN - 80% Disney, 20% Hearst
Wouldnt Disney want to own 100% of ESPN and A&E?
Would you see Disney buying Hearst?

I'm not aware of any rumors or news regarding Disney being in talks to acquire Hearst Corporation. It seems highly unlikely. Hearst Corporation is 100% owned by the Hearst family trust, as defined in the will of newspaper baron William Randolph Hearst.

There's nothing wrong with joint ventures, as long as they make money for all partners.

Like any other corporation, Hearst Corporation can buy and sell assets. If the time comes when Hearst Corporation no longer wants stakes in one or more of its joint ventures, Hearst Corporation could sell its stake. Often, joint ventures give the other partner the right of first refusal in the event that a partner arranges to sell its stake, although I have no idea if the that's the case here.

Right now, The Walt Disney Company is probably happy that it does not own 100% of ESPN. Read "ESPN moves from Disney Star to the Injured List" here: http://www.institutionalinvestor.co...s-from-disney-star-to-the-injured-list.html#/