Comcast and Time Warner in talks to sell subscribers to Charter

Comcast and Time Warner Cable have entered negotiations to hive off cable assets worth up to $20 billion in a deal with Charter Communications that aims to allay Washington’s concerns about their proposed merger.

Comcast and TWC have held talks with Charter about a deal involving between 3m and 5m subscribers during recent days, according to people familiar with the matter. The options include the straight sale of subscribers and a scenario where Comcast and TWC spin off subscriptions into a new company and sell Charter a substantial minority stake. A combination of the two is also under consideration. The discussions are at an early stage and no deal is certain, the people cautioned.