A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

... a man parlayed the movie script for an otherwise run-of-the-mill space opera into a multi-billion dollar film studio and special effects house.

And now?

Continuing its strategy of delivering exceptional creative content to audiences around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) has agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. in a stock and cash transaction. Lucasfilm is 100% owned by Lucasfilm Chairman and Founder, George Lucas.
One hundred percent?  Yowza.  How in the world did he manage to retain complete control? 
Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney stock on October 26, 2012, the transaction value is $4.05 billion, with Disney paying approximately half of the consideration in cash and issuing approximately 40 million shares at closing.
Four.  Billion.  Dollars.

Four billion dollars.

He just more than doubled his net worth.

I've got to imagine that he's pretty happy about that... and yet, I keep hearing this in the back of my head, spoken in Steamboat Mickey's voice...
The ability to destroy the childhood memories of millions is insignificant next to the power of the Mouse.  Hee-hee!
Indeed.  I just hope that a significant part of the deal is that good ol' George has zero creative control over whatever happens with future Star Wars franchise development...



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