The sparrow has landed

NBC Universal has announced plans to purchase Sparrowhawk Media.

The decision will more than double its wingspan - that is, its cable operations - outside the United States.

London-based Sparrowhawk's 18 channels include the Hallmark Channel. The inclusion of this suite will increase NBCU's global networks to 30 channels and an added 60 million subscribers.

Sources for Reuters pegged the purchase at $350 million.