Comcast Corp. says it’s ready to take charge of NBC Universal and create the largest entertainment company in the United States.
Comcast said on Thursday it will put up $6.5 billion in cash and $7.25 billion in assets to buy 51 percent of NBC Universal from General Electric Co. That means the biggest U.S. cable TV provider would control the NBC and Telemundo networks, about two dozen cable channels and the Universal movie studio and theme parks.
Consumer groups question whether one company should have so much power over the production and delivery of entertainment. But Comcast contends consumers should benefit. Among other things, Comcast says, Universal movies could reach cable TV sooner after their theatrical releases.
