Could a DISH/DTV Merger Happen?

Shares of DirecTV ($DTV) are up today on news of a possible merger.

Dish Network Corp. Chairman Charlie Ergen recently contacted DirecTV Chief Executive Officer Mike White to discuss a merger of the two satellite television companies, according to several people with knowledge of the matter. Shares of both companies rose.

Ergen made the approach in response to Comcast Corp.’s $45 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable Inc. in mid-February, one of the people said, asking not to be identified discussing confidential information. White is reluctant to push forward with formal talks out of concern regulators may block the deal because the two companies directly compete with each other, another person said.

Although White is hesitant to pursue a deal, he hasn’t ruled it out entirely, one person said. The talks are being conducted at a senior level with no official process yet under way, several people said.

Can you tell when the news broke? If you look real hard you might be able to see it.

Posted by Eddy Elfenbein on March 26th, 2014 at 2:13 pm

The information in this blog post represents my own opinions and does not contain a recommendation for any particular security or investment. I or my affiliates may hold positions or other interests in securities mentioned in the Blog, please see my Disclaimer page for my full disclaimer.