Overview

• Disney and Hearst have tapped Wells Fargo to lead a strategic review for A+E Global Media, the parent of A&E Network, History Channel and Lifetime.
• The early-phase review may consider options such as a full or partial sale or merger, with no guaranteed outcome.
• It follows similar divestment steps by Comcast, which plans to spin off its cable channels into Versant; Warner Bros. Discovery also opted to separate its linear networks from its studios.
• A+E Global Media’s portfolio spans cable networks, content studios, FAST channels, streaming apps, digital operations across more than 200 territories.
• As a privately held 50-50 venture, the company does not publicly report financials but faces industry-wide challenges from cord-cutting and an advertising downturn.