As of right now, 12:02 EST, the Disney acquisition of 21st Century Fox has been completed. The $71 billion deal gives Disney control of Twentieth Century Fox, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Family, and Fox Animation; Fox’s television creative units, Twentieth Century Fox Television, FX Productions, and Fox21; FX Networks; National Geographic Partners; Fox Networks Group International; Star India; and Fox’s interests in Hulu, Tata Sky, and Endemol Shine Group.
“This is an extraordinary and historic moment for us — one that will create significant long-term value for our company and our shareholders,” Disney chairman-CEO Bob Iger said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon. “Combining Disney’s and 21st Century Fox’s wealth of creative content and proven talent creates the preeminent global entertainment company, well positioned to lead in an incredibly dynamic and transformative era.”
The deal has been in the works for more than a year, with Mexico partners approving the last leg of the deal last week. This move will not only result in Disney acquiring the rights to Fox’s film and television studios, including the Avatar franchise but also a number of popular Marvel characters like X-Men and Deadpool. 21 Century Fox also owns a stake in Hulu, which means that Disney will be acquiring that as well. Marvel Studios announced last month that they would be putting four new series on the streaming platform. This gives Disney an opportunity to maintain the family-friendly brand on the Disney+ Streaming Service while also using some of the new properties.
Of course, we are absolutely thrilled to see where this merger will take Disney! Are you excited to see what Disney will do next? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook to let us know what you think!