Disney-Fox megadeal gets shareholder approval

A media-entertainment megadeal enabling Walt Disney Co. to take over a large part of the Murdoch family's 21st Century Fox empire moved a step closer to fruition today as shareholders of both firms approved the tie-up.

The USD 71.3 billion deal will give Disney prized assets being sold by Rupert Murdoch's group, which include the Fox studios in Hollywood and important film and television production operations.

"We're incredibly pleased that shareholders of both companies have granted approval for us to move forward, and are confident in our ability to create significant long-term value through this acquisition of Fox's premier assets," said Disney chairman and chief executive Robert Iger.

Once completed, the transaction will create a slimmed-down "new Fox" focused on the Fox broadcast TV network, Fox News and some sports operations.

Rupert Murdoch, 87, who holds the title of executive chairman at 21st Century Fox with his son Lachlan, said that a "new Fox" would "unlock significant value for our shareholders."