Published on: August 5, 2026
Hearst has entered into an agreement with subsidiaries of The Walt Disney Company to acquire Disney’s 50% ownership stake in A+E Global Media for approximately $1.2 billion in cash.
The transaction is expected to be completed in September, subject to customary closing conditions. Following the completion of the deal, A+E Global Media will operate as a wholly owned business within Hearst’s Entertainment division.
Commenting on the acquisition, Steven R. Swartz, President and CEO of Hearst, said: “We thank our Disney colleagues for decades of successful partnership. We look forward to supporting Paul Buccieri and A+E Global Media’s leadership team as they continue to make must-see programs and innovate around the great HISTORY, Lifetime and A&E brands.”
Paul Buccieri, President and Chairman of A+E Global Media, added: “In a media environment defined by fragmentation, A+E Global Media’s advantage is the strength and versatility of our brands, our strong partnerships and our vast library of owned assets. As we continue extending our storytelling globally across all platforms with IP that travels to every screen and form-factor, we believe we are well suited for whatever opportunities may come next. I also want to express my deepest thanks to Hearst, The Walt Disney Company and to our board members — both recent and past — for their guidance and support over the years.”
Originally launched in 1984 as A&E (Arts & Entertainment Network), A+E Global Media has grown into an international media company with a presence in more than 414 million households across 200 territories and 40 languages. Its portfolio includes well-known brands such as A&E®, Lifetime®, The HISTORY® Channel, LMN®, FYI® and VICE TV®.
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