#Exposed #Monopoly Comcast takes control of NBC Universal in $16.7bn buy-out

The buy-out of General Electric's remaining 49pc stake gives it one of the industry's largest and most profitable stable of cable networks, as well as the NBC broadcast network with its recognisable peacock logo.

Comcast's deal follows Michael Dell's $24.4bn deal to take the computer-maker he founded private and a $23.3bn bid for UK cable company Virgin Media by John Malone's Liberty Global.

Tuesday's deal, combining properties such as USA Network, Universal Studios and more than 22 million cable subscribers, completes a 50-year transformation for Comcast, founded in 1963 by chief executive Brian Roberts' father, Ralph.

Comcast, which bought 51pc of NBC Universal in 2011, now becomes a $39bn business marrying cable distribution with cable content.

[link to www.telegraph.co.uk]