Comcast CEO Seen as ‘Kingmaker’ in Time Warner Cable Deal

Comcast Chief Executive Officer Brian Roberts isn’t a part of Charter Communications’ offer for Time Warner Cable. He may still get to decide the outcome.

Comcast, the largest US cable operator, is weighing its options to play a role after Charter offered to acquire Time Warner Cable for $37.4 billion. These options include bidding for all or parts of Time Warner Cable -- alone or in partnership with Cox Communications -- joining Charter’s bid or buying assets from Charter after a deal, said people with knowledge of the company’s thinking, who asked not to be named discussing confidential matters. Comcast isn’t in a rush to act and will probably allow Charter to raise its bid before making a counterproposal, if it doesn’t partner with Charter, two of the people said. Comcast, which would have preferred to acquire Time Warner Cable two years from now, as it views President Barack Obama’s administration as a tough regulator, may act sooner if Time Warner Cable will otherwise be acquired, the people said.