Home

Walt Disney Co.

Show Me the Money, Walt Disney Co.

Wed, 08/04/2010 - 12:02 by Seth Jayson

Although headlines still spray earnings figures all over the media every day, many investors have moved past net earnings as a measure of a company's economic output. That's because earnings are very often less trustworthy than cash flow, since earnings are more open to manipulation based on dubious judgment calls.

Disney to sell Miramax Films

Fri, 07/30/2010 - 22:39 by Inderjit Singh

Los Angeles -- Walt Disney Co. said it would part with its independent studio Miramax Films for about $660 million.

The agreement was reached with an investor group led by Ronald Tutor, chairman and chief executive officer of Tutor Perini Corp., a California construction firm, and Tom Barrack, CEO at Colony Capital, a private equity group.

The New York Times reported Friday the partnership, called Filmyard Holdings, put $40 million down toward the purchase, which is set up as non-refundable.

The deal is expected to close before the end of the year, provided it meets with regulatory approval.

"We are proud of Miramax's many accomplishments," Disney CEO Robert Iger said.

'Millionaire' creator wins millions in Disney lawsuit

Thu, 07/08/2010 - 19:15 by Natalie James

Disney Entertainment empire was dealt a severe blow yesterday after a federal jury gave its verdict in favor of the creator of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," which sued the studio over unpaid revenues from the show and related merchandising.

Disney employee caught selling inside information

Thu, 05/27/2010 - 10:40 by Samia Sehgal

A Walt Disney Co. administrative assistant and her boyfriend were caught trying to sell inside information regarding the company’s earnings. Both of them were arrested Wednesday morning in Los Angeles.

Disney to expand Glendale campus

Fri, 05/14/2010 - 21:13 by Inderjit Singh

Glendale -- A 338,000-square-foot expansion to Walt Disney Co.'s creative campus in Glendale, Calif., won approval from the city and praise from a City Council member.

"It's a beautiful project. It's going to look terrific and certainly improve the area aesthetically," councilwoman Laura Friedman said, The Los Angeles Times reported Friday.

The city gave the go-ahead for the project that includes a six-story parking garage with solar panels and a six-story building with a five-story annex.

In addition, the expansion will add 1,200 jobs to the area in addition to construction jobs, the Times said.

Mickey Mouse finding his inner rat

Thu, 11/05/2009 - 20:37 by Inderjit Singh

Los Angeles -- U.S. entertainment giant Walt Disney Co. is adapting its iconic character Mickey Mouse to keep him relevant for modern audiences, a project developer said.

Mickey Mouse started out as a bit of a rascal, who got into fistfights and chased after love interest Minnie Mouse. He was a mischievous, if adorable, culprit as the sorcerer's apprentice in "Fantasia."

For decades, however, he has been type cast as the sympathetic friend to all, who gives advice to dog Pluto, cheerfully MCs Disney shows and revels in doing good deeds.

Disney is now carefully seeking to revamp Mickey's personality, giving game developer Junction Planet, which Disney owns, permission to develop a new side to its melioristic mouse.

Disney to merge retail with entertainment

Tue, 10/13/2009 - 23:22 by surajdogra

Los Angeles -- Walt Disney Co. said it would overhaul its 340 European and U.S. stores to include entertainment designed to keep customers shopping longer.

The company is considering a turnaround that includes pumping about $1 million into each store in part to have children eager to visit, play and linger in the same location as the retail outlet that sells toys, games, plush animals and other retail items.

"The world does not need another place to sell Disney merchandise -- this only works if it's an experience," said Jim Fielding, president of Disney Stores Worldwide, The New York Times reported Tuesday.

Disney eyeing Rob Marshall for 'Pirates'

Sun, 08/02/2009 - 00:10 by surajdogra

Los Angeles -- U.S. entertainment company Walt Disney is eyeing Rob Marshall to direct the fourth "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, unidentified sources say.

Variety reported Friday if the Walt Disney Co. does hire Marshall to direct the newest "Pirates" sequel, production could begin sometime in 2010.

The director's post for the fourth film in the profitable film franchise has been vacant since Gore Verbinski, director of the first three, decided to pursue an
alternative movie project.

The first three "Pirates" films have grossed $2.6 billion worldwide for Disney to
date.