What happened
Shares of Scripps Networks Interactive, Inc. (SNI) were surging today on news that the media company was seeking to merge with Discovery Communications Inc. (DISC.A).
As of 11:46 a.m. EDT, Scripps shares were up 13.8% while Discovery had gained 4.4%.
Food Network chef Bobby Flay. Image Source: Scripps.
So what
The talks between the two cable companies come three years after a plan to combine fell apart, according to Reuters, which first reported the news.
Scripps owns HGTV, Travel Channel, and a majority of the Food Network, which would fit well with Discovery's family of channels, which include Animal Planet and TLC. Terms of a potential deal are unknown, but the spike in Scripps shares seems to indicate investor thirst for such a deal. As competition from Netflix and other internet TV options has risen, cable viewership has fallen, making consolidation more desirable. Small companies like Scripps would be better as part of a larger media organization.
Now what
Discovery is the larger of the two companies with a market cap of $16 billion compared to Scripps at around $10 billion after today's jump. Considering that a potential deal fell apart once before, there's no guarantee that the two sides will reach an agreement, but it's clear that Scripps is seeking a merger and acquisition deal as the company also held talks with Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA).
That's a sign that Scripps could be headed for a bidding war if both parties are interested. Expect volatility from the stock as more news comes out on a potential deal.
