General Electric and Vivendi are at least $1bn apart in their valuation of the French group’s stake in NBC Universal, damping hopes of a quick resolution to a stand-off that is holding up Comcast’s planned bid for a majority stake in the US broadcast, cable and film group.
GE and Comcast, the cable operator that wants to take a 51 per cent stake in NBC Universal, have been eager to unveil an agreement before Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday in the US, people familiar with the negotiations said. Although GE and Comcast have been working towards an announcement on Monday, GE and Vivendi remain $1bn-$2bn apart on the valuation of the French group’s 20 per cent stake in NBC Universal, said these people.
