Media Titans Univision and Televisa Complete Merger

Univision and Mexico’s Televisa—two of the biggest Spanish-language media companies in North America—announced the completion of their landmark $4.8 billion merger on Monday. Univision and Televisa will henceforth be known as TelevisaUnivision, Inc., now the world’s leading Spanish-language media and content company. Univision CEO Wade Davis assumes the role of CEO of TelevisaUnivision, Inc. “The close of our transaction marks a historic moment for our company and our industry,” said Davis in a statement. “We are combining two iconic and market-leading companies that have a rich, shared history and an incredible portfolio of assets. This combination will create a business without comparison in the global media landscape. Over the past year, both companies have transformed themselves, reaching levels of financial performance and audience resonance that has not been seen for years. " Telemundo Creates Content Brand Tplus to Serve U.S. Hispanics Televisa’s four broadcast channels, 27 pay-TV channels, Videocine movie studio, Blim TV subscription video-on-demand service and the Televisa trademark, will be combined with Univision’s assets in the U.S., which include the Univision and UniMás broadcast networks, nine Spanish-language cable networks, 59 local TV stations and 57 radio stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets, and the PrendeTV streaming content platform. The emphasis here is on streaming. Spanish-language media has lagged behind English-language media when it comes to streaming content consumption. Less than 10% of the Spanish-speaking global population—around 600 million people—use an OTT service. Executives are betting that percentage will grow, as Univision and Televisa have more than enough content to power a substantial global streaming service. "The power and momentum of the transformed core business is truly unique and will be a springboard for the upcoming launch of the preeminent Spanish-language streaming service," Davis added. "The new trajectory of our company is supported by our new ownership group, which is well positioned to amplify the efforts of one of the best leadership teams in the world.” Alfonso de Angoitia, Televisa’s co-CEO, will now serve as executive chairman of the Televisa-Univision board of directors. “The combination of content assets from Televisa and Univision, the two leading media companies from the two largest Spanish-speaking markets in the world, has created a company with tremendous potential,” de Angoitia said in a statement. “With our attractive financial profile and history of innovation, TelevisaUnivision is ready to revolutionize the industry by delivering the most comprehensive Spanish-language content offering to audiences around the world.” Univision and Televisa announced the merger in April 2021, four months after former Viacom CFO Davis’ investor group acquired a 64% stake in Univision. He quickly brought in a new executive team, including WarnerMedia veteran Donna Speciale as ad sales chief. On the financial front, Televisa-Univision received a $1 billion equity investment from a consortium led by SoftBank Group, which includes Google, The Raine Group and ForgeLight. Televisa is receiving $3 billion in cash for its media assets and $1.5 billion in Univision equity, a 45% stake and is the largest shareholder in the new company. Univision will finance the merger by taking on $2.1 billion in debt.

Streaming & OTT

Spanish-Language Media Titans Univision and Televisa Complete $4.8 Billion Merger

The new company boasts more than enough content to power a global streaming service

A.J. Katz

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A.J. Katz