Disney/Fox deal to close by Spring/Summer 2019

Peter Rice, president of 21^st Century Fox, has told staffers that the merger between Fox and Disney is set to be complete for Spring or Summer 2019.

During a round of town hall meetings, the boss spoke to staffers for reassurance and an update on the process, according to Deadline, which first noted the story.

The deal will see Disney gain key Fox assets including 20^th Century Fox movie studio, 20^th Century Fox TV studio and FX Networks.

Rice said the remaining assets are likely to simply fall under the name Fox. This includes Fox Broadcasting Company, national sports cable networks FS1 and FS2, Fox News Channel and Fox stations.

In the meantime, UK regulators are claiming that Disney will have to make a mandatory offer for all of Sky in the UK, as it completes the merger.