What Did Disney Buy from 21st Century Fox?

In 2019, Walt Disney Company made one of the most significant acquisitions in the entertainment industry's history by purchasing most of 21st Century Fox's entertainment assets. This acquisition aimed to expand Disney's portfolio and enhance its global reach. Let's explore the details of what Disney bought and what it didn't.

Entertainment Assets Acquired by Disney

Film Production Units

One of the key components of the acquisition was 21st Century Fox's renowned film production businesses. This included:

Twentieth Century Fox: A Hollywood film studio known for producing and distributing family films and action thrillers. Fox Searchlight Pictures: Responsible for independent films and smaller theatrical releases. Fox 2000 Pictures: Used for producing big budget, primarily family-oriented films. Fox Family: Initially known for producing films for families and children but eventually shut down. Fox Animation: A studio dedicated to animated films and productions.

Television Creative Units

In addition to film production, Disney also acquired television creative units from 21st Century Fox, including:

Twentieth Century Fox Television: A production company behind popular TV series. FX Productions: A production company known for creating acclaimed shows like American Horror Story and Fargo. FX Networks: Home to the acclaimed channels FX and AMC, known for original programming. National Geographic: A documentary and programming channel focused on exploration and wildlife.

Excluded Assets and Divestments

Not all of 21st Century Fox's assets were included in the Disney acquisition. Some of the notable exclusions include:

American cable networks: This included Fox News, Fox Sports 1/2, and Fox Broadcasting Company. Some regional sports networks: While Fox Sports regional networks were included, Disney had to divest from them to comply with the terms set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Networks in Brazil and Mexico: Disney was required to divest from Fox Sports in Brazil and Mexico to gain regulatory approval in those countries. Joint ventures in Mexico and Europe: Disney had to divest from a couple of their pre-Fox joint ventures in Mexico and Europe.

Regulatory Challenges and Compliance

The acquisition was not without regulatory challenges. The FCC regulations, in particular, posed a significant hurdle. Since