Fox to Acquire Roku in $22 Billion Streaming Deal
Fox is set to acquire streaming platform Roku for $22 billion, a move designed to merge Fox's sports, news, entertainment, Tubi, and Fox One content with Roku's user base of approximately 100 million people. The companies project this merger will establish them as the third-largest player in US television by share of viewing. Fox has committed to ensuring Roku's platform remains open to competing applications post-acquisition.
Fox has announced its intention to acquire streaming device and platform company Roku for $22 billion. The strategic acquisition aims to combine Fox's diverse content portfolio, which includes sports, news, entertainment, its Tubi streaming service, and Fox One offerings, with Roku's extensive streaming platform that reaches around 100 million users.
According to statements from both companies, this merger is anticipated to create the third-largest player in US television based on share of viewing. Fox has also assured that Roku will continue to support competing applications on its platform after the deal concludes.
Fox's move into a more robust streaming business follows its previous ventures, including the launch of its Fox One competitor last August. The company has sought to enhance its competitive standing in a streaming market currently dominated by major players such as YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, Paramount+, and Peacock.
This acquisition gained increased urgency following initial US regulatory approval for the combination of CNN parent company Warner Bros. Discovery with Paramount. The deal is projected to finalize in the first half of 2027 and is expected to generate $400 million in savings for the combined entities.
Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch described the acquisition as a "defining moment" and a "natural extension" of the company's decade-long strategy. He emphasized the importance of Roku remaining an "open and partner-friendly business," stating that Fox does not foresee any changes to this aspect. Murdoch highlighted the goal of uniting Fox's "most valuable live content portfolio" with Roku's "preeminent streaming platform."
(Source: Slashdot)
