Shareholders of Pixar Animation Studios voted today to approve the acquisition of the company by The Walt Disney Company in an all-stock deal valued at approximately 7.4 billion dollars. Investor-shareholders in Pixar will receive 2.3 shares of Disney stock for each share of Pixar they hold; Pixar chief executive Steven Jobs is the single largest shareholder, with 40% of Pixar's outstanding shares.
The vote was cast in a shareholder meeting in San Francisco overseen by Pixar Chief Financial Officer Simon Bax.
The agreement will make Jobs Disney's single largest shareholder, with an estimated 7% stake in Disney. Jobs will also be named to Disney's board of directors under the agreement.
"Cars," the last film under the original Disney/Pixar distribution agreement, is due to be released in theaters on June 9. It is expected to join previous Disney/Pixar blockbusters like "Finding Nemo" and "Toy Story" as a top box office draw.
The relationship between Disney and Pixar had been strained prior to Bob Iger taking on the role vacated by previous Disney chairman Michael Eisner, who stepped down last year after a 20-year career at Disney's helm. After taking over, Iger made mending the Disney/Pixar relationship a priority, recognizing the quality and value of the Pixar name and product and its inherent value to the Disney brand.
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Disney Releases New Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Event Merchandise
Moonlit Voyage Update
The following Moonlit Voyage event merchandise images have just been released by Disney. In addition, updated photos and descriptions of merchandise posted in this space earlier have also been added. Click here to view the updated merchandise listing.
Compass Jumbo Pin
Pin
Pin box
This 3" spinner pin and its accompanying custom packaging were inspired by Captain Jack Sparrow's trusty compass, which never points towards magnetic north, but rather always towards your hearts desire.
Edition size: 500
Retail: $35
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Black Pearl
Pendant Necklace
This Black Pearl sterling silver pendant features a genuine black Tahitian baroque pearl and comes complete with a certificate of verification.
Pendant will bear a commemorative backstamp.
(Length of chain - 18")
Edition size: 25
Retail: $650
Images © Disney.
We have been advised that the Moonlit Voyage event at Disneyland is completely sold out. Those wishing to do so may request to be added to a waiting list in case of cancellations. Simply choose the package you want to wait for, proceed through the registration process, and be sure to check the "Waiting List" option.
(source: Disney)
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ed note: the following is provided to Keep To The Code News by Zizzle Toys and is the sixth in a series of sneak previews of their upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean licensed merchandise. All images and descriptions are © Zizzle.
Jack Sparrow's Gear
X Role play set that features Jack's trademark headband with dreadlocks and beads, compass, belt, sword, three carved rings, bracelet, temporary signature tattoo and cannibal eye stickers
X Children can recreate their favorite scenes from the movie as Jack Sparrow
Jack Sparrow's Clash and Flash Cutlass
X Sound effects and lights are motion activated
X Adjustable bandolier included
X Children can recreate their favorite scenes from the movie as Jack Sparrow
Jack Sparrow's Electronic Pistol
X Working trigger makes hammer "cocking" noise and pistol blast sound effects
X Light illuminates from muzzle when trigger is pulled
X Just like Jack's pistol in the movie: authentic size, with complete sculpted detail
X Adjustable belt included
X Children can recreate their favorite scenes from the movie as Jack Sparrow
Will Turner's Battling Cutlass
X Children can recreate their favorite scenes from the movie as heroic Will Turner
X Adjustable bandolier included with foam sword for soft battling fun
Talking Skull Room Alarm
X Motion-activated alarm detects movement up to 6 feet away
X Moving jaw, flashing light eyes and sounds alert you of trespassers
X Sings the Yo Ho Pirates song each time it is turned on
X 2 modes of play: Alarm and Joke
Bump-N-Go Motorized Pirates
Motorized Prison Escape Jack Sparrow in Escape Coffin, Motorized Skiff Rowing Pintel and the Prisong Dog
X Motorized pirates in action
X Jack pops out of his get-away coffin and Pintel rows out to sea with the Prison Dog-bumping, turning and shaking as he goes
(source: Zizzle Toys)
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