Comcast has announced it will no longer pursue a bid for Fox, turning its attentions solely to Sky.
The US cablenet, which also owns NBCUniversal, had been locked in a bidding war with Disney for the company seen as a glittering prize in Hollywood’s attempts to see off the new money of Amazon, Apple and Netflix.
“I’d like to congratulate Bob Iger and the team at Disney and commend the Murdoch family and Fox for creating such a desirable and respected company,” said Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO, Comcast Corporation.
Comcast had tabled a $65 billion bid for the majority of Fox assets including Sky.
Comcast’s July 12 bid for Sky values the business at £26 billion.