Disney Agrees to Acquire Marvel EntertainmentOperation Pixie Dust

How’s that for a headline? I have to admit that when I first heard the news I thought it was just one of those Internet rumours. But it would appear that it is indeed true – Disney are taking over Marvel Entertainment!

Here’s a snippet from the official press release:

“This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories,” said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. “Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney.”

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

“Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses,” said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel’s Chief Executive Officer. “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.”

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters. Mr. Perlmutter will oversee the Marvel properties, and will work directly with Disney’s global lines of business to build and further integrate Marvel’s properties.

The first question that springs to mind is – what on earth does that mean for the Marvel Super Hero island in Islands of Adventure?? I love their Spiderman attraction and would hate to see it close… well actually I’d love to see it moved to Disney World so I could ride it more often

As my lovely husband commented – “this is great news – maybe they’ll open some great new attractions at Hollywood Studios now”. I for one am waiting in eager anticipation to see what the Imagineers decide to do with this new franchise.

If you’ve got and ideas for what you’d like to see feel free to post in the comments