FT By Reuters says Universal is seeking UK offers for Bedford theme park

(Reuters) – Comcast’s Universal theme park business is in talks with British authorities over tax and infrastructure concessions to secure the multibillion-dollar Bedford resort, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

Comcast’s (NASDAQ: ) proceeding decision, expected by the end of the year, will be part of negotiations with government officials over incentives, the newspaper said, citing people close to the plan.

Comcast and Universal did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment.

If negotiations fail, Comcast could explore other locations in Europe or elsewhere, the FT said, without disclosing details of the size of the incentives.

Universal bought 476 acres (190 hectares) of land south of Bedford in eastern England, north of London, last year to build a theme park and resort.

The project is expected to generate 50 billion pounds ($60 billion) in economic benefits for the UK, with around 8,000 jobs created when the park is operational.

(Kanchik Ghosh Report)