universal_studios.jpgORLANDO, Fla. (AP) _ Private equity firm Blackstone Group LP plans to sell its half-share stake in Universal Orlando to Comcast, giving the cable television giant full ownership of the theme park.

Sources confirmed the planned sale to the Orlando Sentinel on Tuesday. It was originally reported by TheWrap.com, a news website covering the entertainment industry.

Universal Orlando spokesman Tom Schroder refused to comment on the reports.

Philadelphia-based Comcast bought a controlling interest in NBCUniversal in January.

The planned purchase isn't too much of a surprise since a March Securities and Exchange Commission filing noted that Blackstone had offered to sell its share of the theme parks back to NBC Universal Inc.