Back in August 2009, Disney bought Marvel for $4bn. In August 2012, it bought Lucasfilm (and therefore Star Wars) from George Lucas for a similar figure. Today, it added to its already astonishing portfolio in a colossal deal with Ruper Murdoch's 21st Century Fox. After protracted negotiations which appeared to be faltering at one point, Disney has paid $66bn for Fox's entertainment assets, including the 20th Century Fox film studio and a controlling stake in Sky.
Disney's CEO Bob Iger will continue to lead the combined company. He said: "The acquisition of this stellar collection of businesses from 21st Century Fox reflects the increasing consumer demand for a rich diversity of entertainment experiences that are more compelling, accessible and convenient than ever before."
Disney has eliminated some major competition by taking Fox's film roster under its wing. Concerns about industry domination and a narrowing of choice at the box office have understandably been raised in some quarters. But for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe it at least raises the tantalising prospect of the X-Men and Fantastic Four franchises finally being housed under the same roof as The Avengers. Doctor Doom could show up to fight Thor before we know it. Fox is also currently the home of the Alien and Predator movies. We're saying an Alien Vs Predator Vs Star Wars Vs Wolverine crossover is less likely.
There are also implications for Disney's own developing streaming service, which now has even more oomph to rival Netflix and Amazon when it launches in 2019.