Comcast Corporation shares climbed 13% in premarket trading on Monday after the company unveiled plans to separate NBCUniversal and Sky into a distinct publicly traded company.
The corporation described the transaction as a tax-free separation that will divide its media and technology businesses into two independent entities. The company expects the deal to be completed in approximately one year. Once the separation closes, Comcast shareholders will receive equity in both resulting companies.
The newly independent NBCUniversal will encompass the business lines tied to content and consumer entertainment, including its theme parks, Universal film and television studios, broadcast networks NBC and Telemundo, the Peacock streaming service, Bravo and the Sky European media operations.
The remaining Comcast entity will concentrate on broadband, wireless and entertainment platforms, maintaining a network that reaches more than 65 million homes and businesses.
Comcast said it intends to retain up to a 19.9% stake in NBCUniversal for up to one year after the spin-off. The company plans to monetize that stake over time in a tax-efficient manner.
Leadership arrangements were outlined alongside the structural plan. Brian L. Roberts, who currently serves as Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer, will continue to have a leadership role across both companies. Mike Cavanagh has been designated to serve as CEO of NBCUniversal. Michael Angelakis, identified as a former Comcast Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of CEO of Comcast after the separation is complete; Angelakis will begin as a Strategic Advisor during the interim period.
The company also said that NBCUniversal will preserve the same dual-class share structure currently used by Comcast. Management stated an intent to establish investment grade balance sheets for both newly separate entities.
This organizational change and the associated leadership and balance-sheet objectives form the principal elements of the announced plan.