Comcast is splitting into two publicly traded companies by spinning off NBCUniversal and Sky from its broadband and cable services arm. The move unwinds 15 years of telecoms-media consolidation, driven by cord-cutting, streaming competition from Netflix, and broadband subscriber losses. For South Africa, the spinoff separates an NBCUniversal already retreating from Africa after its 30% stake in Showmax cost over R5-billion before Canal+ shut the service down. The new NBCUniversal — covering Universal theme parks, film studios, NBC, Peacock, and Sky — could become an M&A target, with analysts suggesting Netflix may have interest in its studio assets. The deal is expected to close within a year.
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