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Private equity firm could land minority stake in DirecTV

(Image: AT&T/Handout, Graphic: The Desk)

A private equity firm is in advanced discussions to acquire a minority stake in satellite television service DirecTV, according to a report.

On Friday, business news wire Reuters reported TPG Capital had “entered into exclusive talks to acquire a minority stake” in the AT&T-owned pay TV service.

Reuters was unable to get a precise purchase price, but sources reportedly told the news outlet that the acquisition could value DirecTV at $15 billion — far less than what AT&T paid for the satellite giant in 2014.

DirecTV has been losing subscribers every year since AT&T acquired it, and the phone company has been desperately seeking a way to rid itself of the satellite television provider for much of the last year.

AT&T is hoping to cut its losses by investing more focus toward its streaming television offerings, including HBO Max and AT&T TV, while building out its next-generation 5G wireless network.

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About the Author:

Matthew Keys

Matthew Keys is a nationally-recognized, award-winning journalist who has covered the business of media, technology, radio and television for more than 11 years. He is the publisher of The Desk and contributes to Know Techie, Digital Content Next and StreamTV Insider. He previously worked for Thomson Reuters, the Walt Disney Company, McNaughton Newspapers and Tribune Broadcasting.
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