ney’s legacy and the quality of its content. However, Apple’s track record of innovation and success in the tech industry could potentially make them a suitable buyer for Disney. The long-standing relationship between the two companies, with Steve Jobs serving on Disney’s board and Bob Iger joining Apple’s board, further adds to the speculation.
The article highlights the challenges that Disney is currently facing, including the transition of the industry and the departure of key executives. This could potentially make Iger more open to the idea of selling the company or its TV assets. The slimmed-down version of Disney, focusing on its valuable IP and brand, could be an attractive acquisition target for Apple.
The article also mentions the possibility of other major players in the industry, such as Amazon and Netflix, and speculates on the potential consolidation of studios. It suggests that Disney could sell its linear TV assets, including ABC and FX, to private equity firms or other buyers.
However, any potential deal between Apple and Disney would face significant scrutiny from regulatory bodies, such as the FTC and the Department of Justice. The article discusses recent lawsuits and their implications for similar deals. It also mentions the potential concerns of loyal Disney fans and shareholders regarding a tech company’s commitment to Disney’s legacy.
Overall, while the idea of Apple buying Disney may still be met with skepticism by many top executives, the article presents a compelling case for why it could be a possibility. The financial strength and market cap of Apple, combined with Disney’s valuable IP and brand, could create a powerful and innovative force in the entertainment industry.Apple’s Potential Acquisition of Disney Sparks Industry Speculation
In a recent interview with CNBC, Disney CEO Bob Iger stated that Disney’s linear TV networks, such as ABC and FX, may not be core to the company’s business. This statement has reignited discussions about the possibility of Apple acquiring Disney, a deal that has been met with skepticism by many top executives. However, some industry insiders believe that Apple’s interest in Disney cannot be ruled out entirely.
One Hollywood executive noted that while Apple may not want to buy the company in its current form, they could be interested if Iger starts divesting certain assets, signaling a potential sale. With $62 billion in cash and cash equivalents and a market cap of $2.8 trillion, Apple certainly has the financial resources to make such a significant acquisition. Additionally, the long-standing relationship between Disney and Apple, with Steve Jobs serving on Disney’s board and Iger joining Apple’s board after Jobs’ death, further fuels speculation about a possible deal.
The idea of Disney selling its TV businesses has gained traction, especially as the industry continues to undergo significant changes. Some industry veterans predict that there will eventually be only a few major platforms, including Apple, Amazon, and Netflix, with other companies being acquired or phased out. If Iger shares this view, it could make Disney an attractive acquisition target.
Sources suggest that Iger, who recently returned to the CEO position, is facing immense stress as he navigates the industry’s transition. Many key members of his team have left the company, and this may explain his reconnection with former Disney executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs, who have been named as consultants. These individuals could assist in trimming costs and potentially selling Disney’s linear TV assets, including ABC and various cable channels.
While some believe that Disney’s TV assets would be of minimal value without the larger company’s content and backing, others predict that private equity firms could be interested in acquiring these assets. One observer estimates that the TV properties, which generate around $7 billion in profits annually, could be sold for $50 billion. Disney could then use $25 billion of the proceeds to reduce its debt load.
Disney is already considering selling its India businesses acquired from Fox, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a sale of its majority stake in Nat Geo and A+E Networks. However, any deal involving Disney would likely face intense scrutiny from the Biden administration, which has been aggressive in preventing significant mergers. The outcome of recent lawsuits involving Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard and Paramount’s sale of Simon & Schuster to Penguin Random House could provide insights into how regulators might view a potential Apple-Disney deal.
While loyal Disney fans, including shareholders, may be wary of a tech company’s commitment to Disney’s core entertainment and theme park businesses, their influence may be limited. With institutional investors holding over 60% of Disney’s shares, retail shareholders may not have the power to block a deal.
In his memoir, I
How could a potential deal between Apple and Disney impact the regulatory landscape and what concerns might loyal Disney fans and shareholders have regarding this partnership?
Ed or consolidated. This could make Disney’s TV assets, which include ABC and FX, attractive to potential buyers. Private equity firms and other major players in the industry are also mentioned as potential buyers for these assets.
However, any potential deal between Apple and Disney would face regulatory scrutiny. The article discusses recent lawsuits that have impacted similar deals and highlights the potential concerns of loyal Disney fans and shareholders regarding a tech company’s commitment to Disney’s legacy. This scrutiny could pose a challenge to the deal.
Despite the skepticism surrounding the idea of Apple acquiring Disney, the article presents a compelling case for why it could be a possibility. The financial strength and market capitalization of Apple, combined with Disney’s valuable intellectual property and brand, could create a powerful and innovative force in the entertainment industry.
