Fox already controls National Geographic’s cable channel in two joint ventures, one for the U.S. and the other for international. Under the agreement announced this morning, the entertainment giant will pay $725 million in cash and equity to control The National Geographic Society’s other media assets — including its famous magazine.
When the deal closes — expected later this year — Fox will have a 73% stake in a new joint venture to be called National Geographic Partners. In addition to the cable channels and magazine, it will include National Geographic Studios, digital and social media platforms, books, maps, children’s media, location based entertainment, archival sales, licensing and ecommerce.
Fox’s investment will double NatGeo’s endowment to about $1 billion, enabling it to increase its investments in science, research, and education.
