News Focus
News Focus
icon url

3xBuBu

04/06/11 1:25 PM

#66129 RE: Mt. Blanc #66128

Dish Wins Blockbuster Auction, Aims To Broaden Strategy
Dish Network Corp.'s (DISH) winning bid for Blockbuster Inc. (BLOAQ, BLOBQ) could put the satellite-TV provider on a path to compete with Netflix Inc. (NFLX), although significant hurdles remain.

Dish, based in Englewood, Colo., said Wednesday morning that it won a bankruptcy auction for the video-rental chain, offering $320.6 million for Blockbuster's assets. Dish plans to utilize the assets in order to enhance Dish's subscription offerings, leading some company observers to believe it could start streaming video and shipping DVDs.

However, any such move to imitate Netflix faces significant challenges, such as renewing studio deals, securing streaming rights and building out the needed infrastructure. For its part, Dish remains confident.

"With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities," said Tom Cullen, Dish's executive vice president of sales, marketing and programming.