Looks like Mickey Mouse will show the Hulk, X-Men, Iron Man, Spiderman and the rest of the Marvel super heroes whose boss. Marvel has announced that Disney has bought them out in a $4 billion dollar deal (just north of 20 times earnings) that has come as a surprise to many. But Disney which has been recording reduced profits over the last few quarters, with a significant drop from $1.5 billion to $954 million in the last year, needed a boost and got it in Marvel’s massive licensing machine. The buyout will see Marvel shareholder getting $30 per share, plus 0.745 in Disney shares, equaling $50 a share for each Marvel stock owned. The deal has already been approved by both boards but is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Act. Marvel’s shareholders must still approve the deal. While many may worry about what this means for the many films Marvel has in the pipeline, Disney says it won’t spoil those plans and is looking forward to bringing several Marvel characters to the big screen that remain less known to the general public. Marvel executive, Ike Perlmutter agrees, saying there is nothing on the horizon but sunshine, rainbows, and general happiness.
“Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses. This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world,” he was quoted by the BBC.
Through Hotmomma
