Shearman & Sterling is representing NBC Universal in its agreement to sell four television stations to Media General, Inc. for approximately US$600 million.  The four stations involved in the deal are WNCN in Raleigh, N.C., WCMH in Columbus, Ohio, WVTM in Birmingham, Ala., and WJAR in Providence, R.I.

NBC Universal, created in 2004 through the combination of NBC and Vivendi Universal's entertainment assets, is 80% owned by General Electric.  Virginia-based Media General has interests in publishing, broadcasting and newsprint production.  The deal is subject to customary conditions, including Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice regulatory approvals  The transaction is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2006. 

The Shearman & Sterling team representing NBC Universal includes partners Christa D'Alimonte (New York - Mergers & Acquisitions), Don Lonczak (New York - Tax) and John Marzulli (New York - Mergers & Acquisitions), and associates Tammara Fort (New York - Mergers & Acquisitions), Ethan Harris (Washington DC - Tax), Sara Haskamp (New York - Mergers & Acquisitions), George Katsimatides (New York - Mergers & Acquisitions), Andrew Noreuil (New York - Mergers & Acquisitions), Jason Pratt (New York - Property), Christina Sautter (New York - Mergers & Acquisitions) and Nandini Wilcke (New York - Property).