DirecTV and Dish are reportedly in advanced merger discussions that could result in the creation of the largest pay-TV provider in the United States, boasting nearly 20 million subscribers, according to Bloomberg sources.
An agreement might be announced soon, with DirecTV likely to take control of the combined entity, which will remain privately held. However, the terms of the merger are still being finalized, and potential delays or obstacles could arise.
DirecTV, established in 1994 by Hughes Electronics, is currently owned by AT&T Inc. and TPG Inc., serving approximately 11 million customers. Dish, founded in 1980 by billionaire Charlie Ergen and part of his EchoStar Corp., has around eight million subscribers. EchoStar and TPG are expected to continue as investors in the merged entity.
