ESPN is suing Verizon Communications (VZ), alleging the telecom broke its distribution agreement with the Walt Disney (DIS)-owned sports network by unbundling ESPN from its flagship FiOS TV package. Verizon earlier had said it has the right to provide ESPN in a so-called skinny bundle under the existing contract. But 21st Century Fox (FOXA) and Comcast’s (CMCSA) NBCUniversal have also said Verizon’s plans violate their contracts. It’s the latest
Applied Materials (AMAT) and Tokyo Electron early Monday announced that they’ve scrapped plans for a $9.4 billion merger after the U.S. Department of Justice said that combining their businesses would restrict competition. The two chip equipment makers — the largest companies in their industry — first announced the deal in September 2013. Last week, No. 1 cable TV firm Comcast (CMCSA) abandoned its proposed $45 billion takeover of No. 2 Time
Charter Communications (CHTR) reportedly is exploring a bid for Time Warner Cable (TWC) after Comcast (CMCSA) scrapped its $45 billion takeover deal for Time Warner Cable. Charter soon may approach the No. 2 U.S. cable provider with a bid, the Wall Street Journal said, albeit one that is a better offer than it received from Comcast because Time Warner’s stock price and operations have improved. Charter will send advisers to contact TWC about