In what has become the most interesting bidding war of 2018, Comcast is reportedly interested in acquiring 21st Century Fox, as well.  I say “as well,” because, unless you’ve been living under a rock, Disney is also trying to acquire the beleaguered company.

Last year, Disney agreed to buy the studio and several of it’s properties for a $52.4 billion deal.  As staggering as that amount was, the deal was comprised of all stock.  Comcast, not to be out-done, is offering cold hard cash for the deal.  How much cash?  $52 billion to be exact.

While the Disney acquisition of Fox has been ballyhooed by everyone from critics to showbiz executives, the surprise here is the announcement by Comcast.  The cable giant already owns NBC Universal, which they acquired in 2013.  The Universal deal was quite controversial because of Comcast’s seeming monopoly on the paid TV business.  This announced acquisition adds fuel to the fire for regulators to be sure.

Of course, as with all acquisitions, regulatory approval is required.  And there are no guarantees that Rupert Murdock and his family would even want to sell to the cable giant.  Still, it will be interesting to see what transpires.  Did Comcast throw a monkey wrench into Disney’s plans?  We shall see.