Disney expands their reaches as they seal deals with both Marvel Entertainment and POW! Entertainment, the production company owned by Stan Lee, the man once behind Marvel who co-created its signature characters.
Back in 2007, Disney signed on a first-look arrangement with POW! but no projects emerged on the feature side. However, the deal was not left in vain as during the time period several projects were in development such as the lighthearted mystery tale “Nick Ratchett”, the action-adventure “Blaze”, and “Tigress”. Aside from these, POW! is currently busy with several projects covering the home entertainment sector.
Disney locked up the deal for both companies on Thursday when it received approval from the stockholders of Marvel Entertainment for the merge as well as from POW! Entertainment. The union officially converts Marvel into one of Disney’s wholly-owned subsidiary. The estimated merger value between the two as calculated by Marvel is approximately at $4.3 billion. Despite the official merge, the arrangement is still subject to certain conditions in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus filed by Disney on December 2 with the SEC.
For $2.5 million, the merge with POW! would allow Disney to acquire a 10% stake of the company. Aside from this, Disney would earn “enhanced rights” on the creative side and the exclusive consulting services of POW! The benefits Disney would gain from the rights and services as well as the main reason behind the arrangement are still left unknown.
Speculations are high that Disney is hoping to utilize Lee’s creative side to produce fresh concepts and stories for several of their platforms including gaming and projects for the new Disney XD Channel for young males. Most likely the company is also seeking to tap into Lee’s experience and knowledge of the Marvel Universe despite his cut ties with the Marvel comic books since the early 90s.
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