Disney ups 21st Century Fox bid to $70 billion

Disney (DIS) is making a $70.3 billion counterbid for Fox's entertainment businesses following Comcast's $65 billion offer for the company.

Fox accepted the sweetened terms, saying it offers "a package of consideration, flexibility and deal certainty enhancements that is superior to the proposal made by the Comcast Corporation."

The battle for 21st Century Fox (FOX) reflects a new imperative among entertainment and telecommunications firms. They are amassing ever more programming to better compete with technology companies such as Amazon and Netflix for viewers' attention -- and dollars.

Shares of Fox jumped $2.88, or 6.5 percent, to $47.16 in early trading, which may suggest investors are expecting Comcast to return with an upped bid. Shares of Disney rose 29 cents to $106.47 and Comcast shares rose 22 cents to $33.03 USD.

"The ball is now in Comcast's court," wrote New Street research analysts in a report. "Investors have been speculating that they could bid as high as $43-45."

The deal would include Fox film and TV studios, some cable networks and international assets, but not Fox News Channel or the Fox television network. AT&T (T) just bought Time Warner for $81 billion, after a federal judge rejected the government's antitrust concerns.

Disney had made a $52.5 billion all-stock offer in December. It's now offering $38 per 21ST Century Fox share, up from $28 per share.