Comcast’s Board Approves Separation of Versant Media Group, Inc.
The separation will be achieved through a pro rata distribution of
The holders of Comcast Class A common stock entitled to receive the distribution will receive a book-entry account statement or a credit to their brokerage account reflecting their ownership of Versant Class A common stock. No action is required by Comcast shareholders to receive Versant shares in the distribution.
Fractional shares of Versant common stock will not be distributed. Any fractional share of Versant Class A common stock otherwise issuable to a holder of Comcast Class A common stock will be sold in the open market on such shareholder’s behalf, and such holder will receive a cash payment for the fractional share based on its pro rata portion of the net cash proceeds from all sales of fractional shares.
Prior to the distribution, Comcast expects to deliver an information statement to all shareholders entitled to receive the distribution. The information statement will describe Versant, including the risks of owning Versant common stock and other details regarding the separation.
The completion of the distribution is subject to a number of customary conditions, including that no event or development will have occurred or exist that, in the judgment of the Board, in its sole discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the distribution. Comcast expects to receive an opinion from its tax advisor confirming the tax-free status of the separation to Comcast and its shareholders (except to the extent of cash received in lieu of fractional shares).
Comcast expects that a “when-issued” public trading market for Versant Class A common stock will commence on or about December 15, 2025 under the symbol “VSNTV”, and will continue through the distribution date. Comcast also anticipates that “regular-way” trading of Versant Class A common stock will begin on January 5, 2026, the first trading day following the distribution date.
Beginning on or about December 15, 2025, and through the distribution date, it is expected that there will be two ways to trade Comcast Class A common stock – either with or without the distribution of Versant Class A common stock. Comcast shareholders who sell their shares of Comcast Class A common stock in the “regular-way” market (that is, the normal trading market under the symbol “CMCSA”) after the record date and on or prior to the distribution date will be selling their right to receive shares of Versant Class A common stock in connection with the separation. Alternatively, Comcast shareholders who sell their shares of Comcast Class A common stock in the “ex-distribution” market during the same period under the symbol “CMCSV” will not be selling their right to receive shares of Versant Class A common stock in connection with the separation. Investors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisors regarding the specific implications of buying or selling shares of Comcast Class A common stock on or before the distribution date.
Following the distribution, Versant will be an independent, publicly traded company. Versant has received approval for the listing of its common stock on Nasdaq under the symbol “VSNT,” subject to official notice of issuance.
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors to Comcast, and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal counsel.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
About Versant
Versant, Comcast Corporation’s (NASDAQ: CMCSA) planned spin-off, will be a leading independent publicly traded media company comprised of most of NBCUniversal’s cable television networks, including
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements that may constitute forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements, readers should consider various factors, including the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” sections of Comcast’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as well as the risks associated with the following factors, which could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements: the spin-off may not be consummated within the anticipated time period or at all; the spin-off may not be tax-free for
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Source: Comcast Corporation