GE, Vivendi make progress on NBC Universal

Apparently, General Electric and Vivendi are moving closer to a deal on NBC Universal, with Vivendi agreeing to accept payment for just one-third of its stake until a related deal with Comcast closes. While Vivendi and GE have not agreed on a price yet, the French media company's acceptance of a staggered payment schedule shows it is willing to compromise to pave the way for Comcast. Vivendi had previously asked to be paid fully upfront to avoid regulatory risk -- U.S. antitrust enforcers are expected to take at least a year to scrutinize the Comcast-NBCU deal. Vivendi values its stake in NBCU, acquired in 2004, at $6.1 billion; GE's latest offer may be about $500 million lower.