Disney (NYSE:DIS) announced its plans to acquire Marvel Entertainment (NYSE:MVL) back on Aug. 31, and the $4.2 billion deal is nearing completion this week. Disney shares have risen more than 20% since the deal was announced; according to a recent AP report, the rise is partly pinned on investors' hopes for new character development and better use of Marvel heroes in movies, stores, and theme parks.
In addition, the article goes on to explain, "Disney would benefit the most from new characters that Disney and Marvel develop together, because the company would own the franchises outright, instead of simply receiving licensing fees from the movies that Sony Corp. (NYSE:SNE) and News Corp.'s (NASDAQ:NWS) Fox produce on their own."
Clearly, there's a good case for the acquisition. However, it's an expensive purchase at a 40% premium at the time of the announcement. Also, the question remains whether movie-goers will embrace Marvel's more obscure characters, and whether Disney is up to the challenge of making them a success.
What do you think? Will "Ant-Man" be the next big thing? Let us know in the comments box below!
