(Reuters) - Discovery Communications Inc (DISCA.O) is acquiring Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI.O) for $14.6 billion in a deal that is expected to boost the combined company's negotiating leverage with pay TV operators at a time when more people watch video online, the companies said on Monday. The acquisition, which was completed Sunday night and announced on Monday, brings together Scripps' largely female audience of lifestyle channels such as HGTV, Travel Channel and Food Network with Discovery's Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, which primarily has male viewers. Since news of Discovery's talks started, Discovery is up almost 3 percent, while Scripps is up almost 30 percent.
Discovery Communications announces it will acquire Scripps Networks Interactive for US$ 14.6 billion.