Versant is New Name for Comcast Spin-Off

Versant: The New Name for NBCUniversal and Comcast Spinoff

We won’t have SpinCo to kick around any longer. The cable networks and other assorted media assets that will be spun off from NBCUniversal and Comcast later this year will now be under the umbrella of Versant. Mark Lazarus, CEO of the new company, revealed the name to employees in a memo on Tuesday.

Versant will be home to TV networks such as MSNBC, CNBC, USA, and E! among other media properties. The company is expected to expand its portfolio through acquisitions. Comcast made the decision to spin off these assets in order to refocus NBC on broadcast and streaming, while allowing the other media assets to thrive independently.

The process of naming the new company began in December, with a focus on finding a name that symbolizes strength, progress, and forward movement. After consulting with three branding agencies, a list of 12 names was narrowed down to three, with Versant emerging as the final choice.

Mark Lazarus emphasized the significance of the name selection process, stating, “Our internal team of skilled brand marketers, designers, and media experts considered various factors in choosing a name that reflects our goal of influencing culture, connecting communities, and signaling a unified direction forward.”