Disney to acquire Marvel in $4 bln deal

[wils]

I know that Disney were working with Stan Lee on a project but I didn't see this coming! What with my own and DD's Disney purchases, DS with his action figures (both universes), and DH with his comics and graphic novels they might as well set us up for an automatic monthly direct debit!

From Yahoo! news

Walt Disney said on Monday it plans to buy Marvel Entertainment for $4 billion (2.4 billion pounds) in a deal that would add characters like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and the Fantastic Four to its entertainment empire.

The cash and stock deal values Marvel at $50 per share, or a premium of 29 percent to Marvel's closing stock price of $38.65 on Friday. The deal has been approved by the boards of both companies.

Marvel's shares shot up to $48.70 in premarket trade. Shares of Disney, which will acquire ownership more than 5,000 Marvel characters, dropped about 3 percent in premarket trade.

Marvel shareholders would receive a total of $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own.

(Reporting by Paul Thomasch; Editing by Derek Caney)

 

[natalielongstaff]

Hmm wonder how that will affect Universal studios

 

[Beth__WDW23/6/02]

Its major news..I never would of thought this would have happened.
I guess IOA is going to down the road change..if that is what the plans are? rides like Hulk/Spiderman etc? wonder what will happen (rechange names/theme?) seems a shame they are great rides..I guess both companies must know what they are doing..can't wait to see what happens.

 

[wils]

I must admit I hadn't considered the Universal Studios/IOA implications - could be interesting.

 

[bronny]

Hmm wonder how that will affect Universal studios

I was wondering the same thing. Could be a mess for IOA, they could rebrand Hulk but spiderman?? Its one of the best rides in Orlando IMO.

 

[Tinks1984]

Wow - what a purchase!

The first thought I came up with also was about Marvel Island at IoA! There surely must be some deal in place? If not, I'd be gutted to know that Hulk and Spiderman could be no more

 

[mandymouse]

The first thought I came up with also was about Marvel Island at IoA! There surely must be some deal in place? If not, I'd be gutted to know that Hulk and Spiderman could be no more

That was the first thing that came into my mind too

 

[wideeyes]

I should think that IOA will have a long term contract, though who knows if they would want to keep the characters if it is making money for Disney.

I hope they keep spiderman and co away from WDW , I don't want to see spiderman in the same park as Mickey,Tinkerbelle etc, it would look ridiculous
e

 

[arieljasmine]

Hmm, very interesting, thanks for sharing, Jo. I would be so gutted to see Spiderman go from IOA - both the ride and the character, Spiderman is the most charming action hero I have ever met!

Agree with Claire, how would these characters fit in with the ones we know and love?

Laur's xx

 

[wideeyes]

some more infomation here,

theme-park rival Universal Orlando will likely retain the park rights to its four Marvel superstars, including Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-disney-marvel-entertainment-083109,0,2559631.story

 

[Tinks1984]

some more infomation here,

theme-park rival Universal Orlando will likely retain the park rights to its four Marvel superstars, including Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-disney-marvel-entertainment-083109,0,2559631.story

This tells me that maybe we WON'T see any Marvel themed areas within Disney any time soon. Our beloved Disney characters wouldn't be the same stood alongside The Hulk, Spidey (even though I love him!) and the Fantastic 4!

I hope they'll keep them as two separate areas. The only place I think Disney would put them, if anywhere, is DHS. I pray they'd be no-where near the Magic Kingdom!

 

[natalielongstaff]

some more infomation here,

theme-park rival Universal Orlando will likely retain the park rights to its four Marvel superstars, including Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-bk-disney-marvel-entertainment-083109,0,2559631.story

now that makes more sense

 

[PudseyChancer]

I think that it's an awesome deal for Disney, and DHS would be a great 'home' for a Marvel themed area, it being the park that appeals more to an 'older' Disney audience. The possibilities are endless as far as use of characters go, there are several 'big' characters that Universal haven't used that could be the basis of new attractions.

As for Universal, I know they've got the Harry Potter attraction opening soon but they would have to make some sort of announcement as to their plans going forward for Islands of Adventure because I would imagine a Marvel-less Universal does not have half of much of the appeal as it did prior to this announcement.

 

[wideeyes]

I hope they'll keep them as two separate areas.

Me too, if they were going to use Marvel characters and themeing, I would rather they built an extention as a new area onto DHS, or even a brand new park aimed at thrill seekers. Hard core marvel fans are not going to like them at Disney hanging out with Mickey Mouse anymore than I would want them hanging out with Mickey.