Disney is once again investing billions of dollars to strengthen its video content business by acquiring the remaining 33% stake in Hulu held by NBC Universal for $8.61 billion.

Disney has already spent billions to acquire Lucasfilm, Pixar, Marvel, and 21st Century Fox. With this upcoming acquisition, Disney will gain full control over the streaming service Hulu, which also produces original movies and series.

- "The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today that it will acquire the 33% stake in Hulu, LLC held by Comcast Corp.’s (NASDAQ: CMCSA) NBC Universal (NBCU)," announced Disney.


It's all about streaming
Disney expects to pay NBC Universal $8.61 billion, but the final amount will depend on an appraisal process expected to be completed sometime in 2024.

Hulu is available as a standalone streaming service in the US. Internationally, Hulu originals are available either on competing streaming services under license or, increasingly, on Disney+.


 Hulu is a streaming service and it also produces movies and series under the 'Hulu original' banner. Photo: Hulu

We may receive more details during Disney's earnings call next week but it is already clear that it is all about streaming.

- "The acquisition of Comcast’s stake in Hulu at fair market value will further Disney’s streaming objectives," the company said.

Earlier this year, Disney said that it will make Hulu content available in the Disney+ app in the US for Hulu subscribers, suggesting that the company is planning to eventually merge the two.