Image Credit: Todd Anderson/Disney via Getty Images
It’s official, and just in time for the holidays. Mickey Mouse will join forces with Obi-Wan, as Disney has completed its acquisition of Lucasfilm.
The Walt Disney Co. announced in a statement on Friday that the deal is done, spurring further joy and debate the world over for fans of Disney and Lucasfilm’s past and future Star Wars franchise.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Lucasfilm to the Disney family,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Co., in a statement. “Star Wars is one of the greatest family entertainment franchises of all time and this transaction combines that world class content with Disney’s unique and unparalleled creativity across multiple platforms, businesses, and markets, which we believe will generate growth as well as significant long-term value.”
Under terms of the merger agreement, according to Disney, at closing Disney issued roughly 37 million shares and made a cash payment of $2.2 million. The closing price of Disney shares as of Friday is a hefty $50, giving the merger a total value of $4.06 billion. With Lucasfilm’s assets including the Star Wars franchise, with future sequels set for 2015 and beyond, plus Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound, all founded by George Lucas, Disney is on track to broadening its pop culture reach big time.
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