Disney to acquire Marvel in deal worth $4 billion

The Walt Disney Co. today announced that it had agreed to acquire comic-book giant Marvel Entertainment, creator of such characters as Iron Man and Spider-Man, in a cash-and-stock deal worth an estimated $4 billion.

The acquisition would give Disney access to a library of more than 5,000 characters -- several of whom have inspired major films for other Hollywood studios. Marvel, meanwhile, gains the clout of Disney's ability to take a popular character and make money on it through films, television and licensed merchandise.

“We believe that adding Marvel to Disney’s unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation,” said Disney President and Chief Executive Robert A. Iger.

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel, including its more than 5,000 characters.  Ike Perlmutter, the comic-book company's chief executive officer, will oversee the properties and work directly with Disney to build and integrate Marvel’s properties.

Iger has shown a willingness to make key acquisitions to bolster the company. In 2006, he negotiated a $7.4-billion deal that brought Pixar Animation Studios, the creator of such successful films as "Toy Story" and "Cars," in house. 

For more details, please read our coverage here.

-- Dawn C. Chmielewski

Comments

[Nick]

I just hope they do not start singing in the next Iron Man flick because of this. :)

[Michael A.]

I wonder what is going to happen with Disney World's direct competitor: Universal's Islands of Adventure - they have an entire island dedicated to Marvel.

[Don Pope]

Kind of awkward for Universal Studios' Islands of Adventure theme park, which has a section called Marvel Superhero Island. Now they'll be dealing with their theme park arch-nemesis.

[jleague]

I wonder how that might impact Universal Studio’s “Islands of Adventures’ – they would have to pay a licensing fee to Disney (or worse yet, change the Marvel section to something else?)

[zorro newsdawg]

Let's hope Disney doesn't homogenize the creative work at Marvel. Cutting-edge writing and artistry is what the comic/entertainment giant was all about.

[Teonna]

This is great!
It sounds like this is a deal that will benefit both Disney and Marvel. I used to work for Walt Disney World Co. so I understand their intricate Entertainment and Merchandising expertise. They will take Marvel to the next level.

[Mo]

Oh Joy. There go all the character quirks you know and love about your favorite comic book characters. Gambit won't be such a lady-charmer, Wolverine won't be allowed to smoke or kill bad guys, and I'm pretty sure they'll manage to co-opt and whitewash any characters of ethnicity. Gag. Start buying your collectibles now.

[Glendon]

If I was Stan Lee I would be probably having a heart attack right about now.

[Naillij]

I hate Disney!!!!
But I love Marvel!!?!??!???
I am so confused now....

[John]

This is insane.
Disney has the worst way in releasing DVDs of their movies, are they going to use the same lousy methods for the Marvel comics or Marvel movies?
I wouldn't blame Stan Lee if he turned his back on Marvel and walked away refusing to have anything more to do with them.

[wolverine]

man o man, thats weak, .........disney is gonna screw marvel bad

[iceman]

I'm just curious to how this happened? I mean wasn't Disney suppose to be geared around kids and I'll admit I watched a lot of Disney when I was a kid and I liked it. But that was when I was a kid!!!! I thought Marvel was suppose to be, or used to be geared around adults. Now that I'm older I love watching wolverine take out his claws and cut someones head off, and look back like nothing happened, and chew on his cigar some more. But why am I getting the feeling that I'm not gonna be able to see that anymore? So I'm very confused of how this happened? I have no doubt in my mind that Disney will screw this up!!!

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[Galvin]

Located in the homeland of Disney, Orlando; Islands of Adventure is a theme park that belongs to the Universal Orlando Resort. The name of this Universal theme park tells you about its central theme. Here, the fun and adventure is hidden in a breathtaking journey to explore the seven unique islands beginning from a major harbor.Main Rides and attraction:
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Islands of Adventure

[nick]

I think it's a load of baloney. Honestly, Marvel is worth waym more than $4billion, and theyre alot better than the likes of disney (granted this happened a year ago)