Sources tell Reuters Comcast seeks to block Disney-Fox deal with all-cash bid

Comcast is seeking to block Walt Disney Co.’s acquisition of much of 21st Century Fox with an all cash-bid, sources told Reuters in a report published Monday.

The sources said Comcast has been speaking with investment banks about getting ahold of bridge financing to stop the deal between Disney and Fox. 

{mosads}Comcast is reportedly waiting for a judge to decide next month on the Justice Department’s challenge to AT&T’s planned merger with Time Warner before it submits the offer to Fox. 

The report comes after Comcast offered a $31 billion bid to purchase the European broadcaster Sky in February, beating out an early entry from Fox for all of Sky. 

Disney announced late last year its plans to acquire most of 21st Century Fox’s assets for $52.4 billion. 

The buyout would include Fox channels including FX and NatGeo, among others, but would not involve Fox News, Fox Business Network, Fox Sports 1 or 2, the Big Ten Network or the Fox broadcasting network and stations.  

The reported move from Comcast will put the company’s top executive Brian Roberts head-to-head with media powerhouses Disney CEO Bob Iger and Fox CEO Rupert Murdoch.