Microsoft May Acquire 49 Percent Of Nbc

NBC’s talks with Microsoft about joining forces to create a 24-hour news channel could lead to an even bigger deal in which the software maker would acquire up to 49 percent of the network, Weekly Variety reported Monday.

NBC and Microsoft executives have talked about a possible $4 billion merger, the trade publication reported, citing unidentified sources.

The talks are part of NBC’s search for a strategic partner who could give the network more clout and help develop new ways of distributing news and entertainment.

The merger would follow a trend: The Walt Disney Co. is acquiring Capital Cities/ABC and Time Warner Inc. is buying Turner Broadcasting System.