DirecTV and Dish Network are reportedly on the verge of finalizing a merger that would establish the largest pay-TV provider in the United States. According to individuals with knowledge of the situation, who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions, the merger could be publicly announced within the next few days.
DirecTV, established in 1994 by Hughes Electronics, is currently co-owned by AT&T Inc. and TPG Inc. and services approximately 11 million customers. Dish, founded in 1980, is led by billionaire Charlie Ergen. The potential merger would result in a combined subscriber base nearing 20 million. Information regarding the merger talks was disclosed in an article by Bloomberg Law.
The current negotiations suggest that DirecTV would assume control of the newly formed entity, which will operate as a privately held company. This merger, if successful, would reshape the landscape of the U.S. pay-TV sector.