InfoAnda - Disney to acquire Marvel in $4 billion deal

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Scarred South Ossetia penniless, shaky year after war | International | | 4 August 2009
Film festival opens in Deauville | 5 September 2009
Beyonce says her parents' marriage prepared her | 25 November 2008

Pope decrees beatification of Poland's 'Solidarity chaplain' | 20 December 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Disney to acquire Marvel in $4 billion deal | Entertainment |

My Profile Top News Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day. Subscribe You are here: Home > News > Entertainment > Article Home Business & Finance News U.S. Politics International Technology Entertainment Film Music People Television Arts Industry Sports Lifestyle Oddly Enough Health Science Special Coverage Video Pictures Your View The Great Debate Blogs Weather Reader Feedback Do More With Reuters RSS Widgets Mobile Podcasts Newsletters Your View Make Reuters My Homepage Partner Services CareerBuilder Affiliate Network Professional Products Support (Customer Zone) Reuters Media Financial Products About Thomson Reuters Disney to acquire Marvel in $4 billion deal Tue Sep 1, 2009 12:48am EDT Email | Print | Share | Reprints | Single Page [-] Text [+] By Paul Thomasch and Gina Keating NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Walt Disney Co on Monday agreed to buy Marvel Entertainment Inc for $4 billion in the year's biggest media deal, banking on Marvel's pantheon of superheroes to broaden its lineup of movie franchises that appeal to boys. Disney adds Spider Man, Iron Man and Thor to its roster of classic characters like Mickey Mouse and Snow White, and will feature the super-heroes in movies before rolling out associated theme park rides, TV shows and merchandise. But the deal comes at a tough time in the entertainment business, with advertisers avoiding spending on new campaigns and consumers cutting back on everything from DVDs to travel. The deal is also expensive. It values Marvel at 37 times its estimated 2009 earnings, and offers shareholders a 29 percent premium to Friday's closing price. Standard & Poor's reacted by placing Disney's credit rating on its negative watchlist, saying it may need to issue new debt even as earnings stagnate or fall in the recession. But the risk of overpaying did not deter Disney from seeking out a deal to address an area of concern among investors: How can it better reach more young males. "This helps give Disney more important exposure to the young male demographic that they have sort of lost some ground with in recent years," said David Joyce at Miller Tabak & Co. Disney has long been a blockbuster brand with girls thanks to characters such as "Hannah Montana," "Cinderella" and "Snow White," but has struggled to achieve the same kind of success with boys. Movies including "Iron Man 2," the sequel to the smash hit about a billionaire playboy with a high-tech suit of armor due to hit theaters in 2010, or 2011's "Spider-Man 4" and "Avengers", should help resolve that issue. Disney will also be able to use its marketing and entertainment clout -- stretching from ABC to cable television to theme parks -- to promote and build characters such as Thor in ways Marvel never could. The deal to buy the 70-year-old studio -- which began life as an arm of a pulp fiction publisher in 1930 before bankruptcy, then rose to prominence in the past few years following Spider-Man -- is Disney's largest since the $7.6 billion purchase of Pixar in 2006, and it made waves. Shares in DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc spiked 6.5 percent on speculation it too may become a takeover target. But analysts raised questions about companies like Viacom Inc, Discovery Communications Inc, and Hasbro Inc that have existing business partnerships with Marvel. Hasbro stands to lose its chance to acquire valuable content for a new TV venture with Discovery, given that Disney is likely to hoard Marvel content for itself. UNDER-PROMISING? Disney agreed to pay a total of $30 per share in cash plus about 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share owned. The deal was approved by the boards of both companies. The deal is expected to gain approval from antitrust regulators, said Evan Stewart, an antitrust expert with law firm Zuckerman Spaeder LLP. Continued... View article on single page Share: Del.icio.us Digg Mixx Yahoo! Facebook LinkedIn Next Article: Disney-Marvel deal casts web of issues for toymakers Also On Reuters Slideshow Slideshow: Deadly California wildfire scorches 7,000 acres Full Coverage: China Investment Summit Factbox: Marvel vs Disney smackdowns we'd like to see More Entertainment News Chris Brown says never stopped loving Rihanna | Video Pearl Jam cuts out the middleman with "Backspacer" Court: Paris Hilton can pursue Hallmark lawsuit TV show hires ex-president Bush's daughter Ex-Miss California sues over gay marriage comment More Entertainment News... Video Disney's Marvel-lous deal? Play Video Disney buys Marvel More Video... Related News Marvel: from zero to hero, and back again 12:48am EDT Disney-Marvel deal casts web of issues for toymakers 12:48am EDT Stan Lee gives Disney-Marvel his blessing 12:48am EDT INSTANT VIEW: Disney to buy Marvel in $4 billion deal 31 Aug 2009 FACTBOX: A look at Marvel Entertainment 12:48am EDT TIMELINE: Key dates for Marvel Entertainment 31 Aug 2009 Editor's Choice Slideshow A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow Most Popular on Reuters Articles Video U.S., NATO must change to win Afghan war says commander Ex-Miss California sues over gay marriage comment Obama more successful on terrorism -security adviser Capitalism the villain as Moore movie hits Venice New flu hit estimated 10 percent of New Yorkers Facts about prostate cancer tests, treatments UPDATE 3-Reynolds,others sue to stop parts of US tobacco law California wildfire more than doubles on sixth day | Video As hybrid cars gobble rare metals, shortage looms Healthcare protests a dilemma for Republicans Most Popular Articles RSS Feed Video New course in Afghanistan? California fires kill two firemen Jimena churns toward Baja Peninsula Polish and Germany remember 1939 Forest fires rage in Portugal Australia seeks to reassure India Russia claims Al-Qaeda death Japan gets new government Dalai Lama visits Taiwan U.S. fires threaten 10,000 homes Most Popular Videos RSS Feed Reuters.com: Help and Contact Us | Advertise With Us | Mobile | Newsletters | RSS | Labs | Journalism Handbook | Archive | Site Index | Video Index Thomson Reuters Corporate: Copyright | Disclaimer | Privacy | Professional Products | Professional Products Support | About Thomson Reuters | Careers International Editions: Africa | Arabic | Argentina | Brazil | Canada | China | France | Germany | India | Italy | Japan | Latin America | Mexico | Russia | Spain | United Kingdom | United States Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests. NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.

Other News on Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Iran to fight enemy's "soft war," parliament told
World tax evasion hunt heats up, France takes action
Germany probes election data release via Twitter
U.S., NATO must change to win Afghan war-commander | International |
Brazil to boost state control of offshore oil
Spider-Man joins Mickey Mouse as Disney buys Marvel
Slowing price fall raises Europe recovery hopes
Apple to host media event September 9
Palestinians say no talks until full settlement halt | International |
Arms finds in hitherto quiet south Iraq ring alarms
Iraq seeks return of 19 MiG fighters from Serbia
Armenia, Turkey move toward diplomatic ties | International |
Gaddafi's son says Megrahi got no hero's welcome | International |
Mobile phone towers threaten honey bees: study
Suspects in Dubai Chechen assassination deny charges
State votes losses rattle German conservatives, Merkel firm | International |
Son of Iran candidate ally died after beating: report | International |
Party picks son to replace powerful Iraqi Shi'ite
Syria, Iraq accuse each other of worsening tension
Syria's Assad slams Iraq over immoral charges | International |
Ex-lawmaker in freezer cash case files bankruptcy
Apple to host media event September 9 | Technology |
Texas judge delays trial of convicted Mo. killer
Germany probes election data release via Twitter | Technology |
Khmer Rouge victims boycott tribunal in Cambodia
Wind, current combined to raise E Coast sea level
AMD ships lower power server chip | Technology |
Frantic Ga. 911 caller: `My whole family is dead!'
Indonesian police: Terrorist infiltrated airline
Fox teams with Twitter for TV promo | Technology |
Japan's next PM a softie at home, says wife
NJ town goes to court to block Gadhafi stay
2 US deaths raise toll in deadliest month to 47
A look at states' legislation on an HPV vaccine
Still afraid, Myanmar refugees head home from China
Dalai Lama praises Taiwan democracy, angers China
Judge to consider Smart competency hearing date
Thai police arrest 2 over faked premier recording
NATO: 2 US service members killed in Afghanistan
Renegade Ohio ex-lawmaker out of prison Wednesday
Karzai keeps big lead in new Afghan vote results
Filipino rebels briefly seize army encampment
Tata Motors posts loss on Jaguar, Land Rover woes
NZ economy to emerge from recession in Q4
TV show hires ex-president Bush's daughter | Entertainment |
India quarterly growth accelerates to 6.1%
Toyota developing anti-drunk driving gadget
Court: Paris Hilton can pursue Hallmark lawsuit | Entertainment |
Arctic Monkeys top UK album charts with Humbug | Entertainment |
Disney to acquire Marvel in $4 billion deal | Entertainment |
Rolling Stones guitarist's death to be re-examined | Entertainment |
Jay-Z to give Sept. 11 benefit concert in NYC
TV chat show host Simon Dee dies of cancer aged 74 | Entertainment |
Spain's Reina Sofia museum to extend free hours
Fox teams with Twitter for TV promo | Entertainment |
TV chat show host Simon Dee dies of cancer aged 74
Peter Gabriel, Abreu accept Polar Music Prize
Music Review: Pitbull brings the goods on new CD
London lets its hair down at Europe's largest street party
Future of daytime TV a hot topic at Daytime Emmys
Japanese couple wins World Tango competition
London lets its hair down at Notting Hill Carnival
Rolling Stones guitarist's death to be re-examined
Report: Doctor confirms Iran prisoner abuse death
Merkel hits back at critics after bitter state poll losses
Police use plastic bullets to quell Belfast riot | International |
Sony PCs to offer Google Web browser
Britain's Brown eyes action on bonuses: report
Icahn cuts stake in
U.S., NATO must change to win Afghan war says commander | International |
Son of late Iraqi Shiite leader takes over party
North Korea sends delegation to China | International |
US-NATO chief urges revised Afghan war strategy
Pittsburgh paper to launch 'members-only' website
China tents dismantled as refugees return to Myanmar | International |
US FCC to study ways to block sex, violence from kids
Fresh clashes in Pakistan's Swat valley; dozens killed | International |
Armenia, Turkey move toward diplomatic ties
Apple to hold media event next week
Opposition mounts to Ahmadinejad cabinet
China fine-tunes Taiwan protest in Dalai Lama row | International |
Uganda offers Facebook scheme to 'befriend' gorillas
EU starts turning out old-fashioned light bulbs
EU: Fresh Mideast talks could be announced soon
Party time in Tripoli as Gaddafi's Libya turns 40 | International |
Japan's new ruling party focuses on economic woes | International |
Google adds Malay, Swahili others to automatic translation
Israeli soldiers kill Palestinian in West Bank | International |
Brazilian president's new blog overwhelmed by hits
Sony PCs to offer Google Web browser
U.N. chief calls for urgent action on climate change | International |
EBay to sell Skype to private investors: report | Technology |
Sony PCs to offer Google Web browser | Technology |
Bone found near home of US sex kidnapper
Opera launches new Internet browser | Technology |
Nokia to delay U.S. music service launch: report | Technology |
World's oldest dog dies in NY at 21 _ or 147
LA fashion designer gets 59 years to life sentence
Wildfire destroys 53 homes in LA County
Bone fragment found as California kidnap probe expands
US FCC to study ways to block sex, violence from kids | Technology |
Huge chest of drawers hoisted aboard space station
LA firefighters killed trying to save inmate crew
Sen. Grassley: No public option in health reform
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 732
3 men returned to US to face sex tourism charges
Sony to sell American TV plant to Taiwan firm
Taiwan dollar rises on exporters, foreign funds
Japan's finance minister to skip G20 meeting
SAfricans blown away as aliens invade Johannesburg
South Korea posts trade surplus for seventh month
Court: Paris Hilton can pursue Hallmark lawsuit
Report: China's manufacturing expanded in August
Seoul shares rise helped by banks; LCD issues down
S.Korean bonds steady ahead of inflation data
S.Korean Aug exports add to global economy doubts
Sony to sell American TV plant to Hong Kong firm
1940s gospel legend Marie Knight dies in NYC at 84
Seoul shares flat; energy issues fall, Shinhan up
SAfricans blown away as aliens invade Johannesburg
Chris Brown says never stopped loving Rihanna | Entertainment |
Pearl Jam cuts out the middleman with Backspacer | Entertainment |
LA fashion designer gets 59 years to life sentence
Chris Brown says he still loves Rihanna
TV show hires ex-president Bush's daughter | Entertainment |
High times: Sublime to reunite for Smokeout
Ex-Miss California sues over gay marriage comment | Entertainment |
Shania Twain tells fans she's moved on, after split
Mayweather-Marquez fight to screen live in theaters | Entertainment |
Ex-Miss California sues over gay marriage comment
Shania Twain tells fans she's moved on, after split | Entertainment |
'Final Destination' just the ticket at North American box office
High times: Sublime to reunite for Smokeout | Entertainment |
Arctic Monkeys top U.K. albums chart for 3rd time
Former Miss California sues over firing
Disney to acquire Marvel in $4 billion deal | Entertainment |
Designer Anand Jon gets life for sex crimes | Entertainment |
Karzai rival calls on supporters to stay calm | International |
Opera launches new Internet browser
Iraq civilian deaths are highest since April
Bank of America mulls repaying aid: report
Nokia to delay U.S. music service launch: report
Iran ready to hold nuclear talks with world powers: report | International |
Party time in Tripoli as Gaddafi's Libya turns 40 | International |
EU parliament rights head calls for Uighur inquiry | International |
Egypt uncovers two tons of explosives near Gaza | International |
Russia's Putin dodges WWII criticism in Poland | International |
Google Chrome gets boost with Sony tie-up
Nokia to delay U.S. music service launch: report
IFA electronics trade show eyed for signs of recovery | Technology |
Security prompts checks on telecoms gear in India | Technology |
Bomb kills US service member in Afghanistan
Same-sex marriages begin in Vermont
Police bust tainted blood supply racket in India
Police fire to disperse rail commuters in India
Thousands flee as fierce California fire spreads
Humpback whale freed from net off Australian coast
President gets flu briefing, hosts Ramadan
Rights group wants Sri Lanka reporter case dropped
Samoan PM turns down appeal to postpone road switch
NTSB weighs safety options for EMS helicopters
Dalai Lama lead mass prayers in Taiwan
Conn. man advertises parents on Craigslist
Thousands flee Mexico coast as Jimena bears down
Japan's new rulers to loosen bureaucrats' grip
Restrictions lifted on Pakistani nuclear scientis
14 missing after landslide hits Nepal village
US commander in Afghanistan calls for new strategy
India's exports drop 28.4 percent in July
Japan auto sales rise for first time in 13 months
Pakistan stock index hits 2009 high, but ends off peak
China key stock index rebounds after plunge
Mayweather-Marquez fight to screen live in theaters
German unemployment edges up, surge feared
Japan stocks rise on weaker yen, higher auto sales
China manufacturing grows at fastest rate in 16 months
'Baby Hotel' eases pressure on South African parents
Mayweather-Marquez fight to screen live in theaters
Pearl Jam cuts out the middleman with "Backspacer"
Designer Anand Jon gets life for sex crimes
Chris Brown says never stopped loving Rihanna
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01