With potential buyers emerging for ABC, the next challenge for Bob Iger and his bankers will be deciding on a price, and determining who can pay it. Once upon a time, in 1995, Disney agreed to pay $19 billion for Cap Cities, the then parent company of ABC. What’s the network worth today? Good question. ABC and its other “linear networks” had operating income of around $8 billion in the last 12 months, according to Disney’s financial filings. But it’s unclear whether Iger wants to sell that whole division or just ABC alone—or if he really has a choice—and how much EBITDA is generated by each unit, including by ABC.
Iger’s Buyers & The Arnault Dynasty
William D. Cohan
September 17, 2023
