Can Apple Buy Disney?

[siouxi31]

From The Chicago Tribune:

"Walt Disney Co. shares were up 34 cents to $28.32 in late-morning trading today after a report in Barron's over the weekend suggested the media conglomerate could be purchased by Apple Computer Inc. now that Apple founder Steve Jobs sits on Disney's board as its largest individual shareholder.

Apple, which could unveil new product offerings Tuesday, climbed 34 cents to $71.80 on the news in late-morning trading. "

 

[RitaZ.]

I don't know, but I very much regret not having bought Apple stock when it was $5 a share 8 to 9 years ago.

 

[dcentity2000]

I'd love it if they did, I really would; it would be a massive boost to both of the companies.



Rich::

 

[Galahad]

I'd love it if they did, I really would; it would be a massive boost to both of the companies.



Rich::

It would destroy Disney more quickly and more completely than anything Eisner could have dreamed of.

 

[Servants of Evan]

For once, I completely agree with Galahad...

 

[MoniqueU]

I am just wondering what new product offerings Apple has.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i also agree with galahad
i dont thin it would be good for disney
do you really think Disney would sell?

 

[bicker]

It's not really a matter of whether Disney would sell, but rather whether Disney's shareholders would sell. If Apple offers a high-enough premium, then they surely would.

Apple needs both content and distribution channels, in order to compete with the likes of Microsoft. Disney gives them both. What Apple doesn't need, remarkably, is theme parks. :

 

[siouxi31]

Maybe we'd have to start looking for hidden apples instead of hidden mickeys.

 

[dcentity2000]

siouxi31, just had to say that that is a gorgeous family photo!



Rich::

 

[siouxi31]

I am just wondering what new product offerings Apple has.

Here's the answer:

The new iPod boom box costs $349 and is part of a strategic effort by the company to gain a foothold in the living room.

 

[Toby'sFriend]

I do believe Steve Jobs is already the largest single Disney Shareholder via the Pixar transaction.

I can't imagine what Apple would have to further gain by buying Disney.

 

[Dan Murphy]

It would destroy Disney more quickly and more completely than anything Eisner could have dreamed of.

Agreed

 

[tmt martins]

Would that make the poision APPLE the witch gave Snow White a good thing.

Next Castle overlay big ole RED APPLE

 

[RitaZ.]

It would destroy Disney more quickly and more completely than anything Eisner could have dreamed of.

I'm really curious... How and why would he do that?

 

[bicker]

The way things are now, Apple cannot use Disney (to achieve its own corporate aims) as effectively as they would if they acquired Disney. (I'm not saying they could manage it, or would try to, but rather just explaining why they might consider it.)

 

[Viking]

First thing could be to rename one park: APcot

 

[VSL]

Why do people think that it would destroy Disney?

I have no business knowledge myself or anything, I'm just curious.

 

[bicker]

I have some significant business knowledge, and see no reason why such an acquisition would necessarily "destroy Disney". What I think people are saying is that they don't feel that such an acquisition would move Disney in the direction that they would personally like Disney to move.