In today's JimHillMedia update, they are featuring the full conference call, if you are interested...

http://www.jimhillmedia.com/main/index.htm

After reading that, I am actually quite bothered by the sincere lack of discussion regarding the parks, the cruise line, and the DVC. There was a quick mention of the parks, but they haven't really laid out any sort of plans, or really thought about that aspect at all it seems. The entire discussion revolved around the networks, the tv portion of it all...insofar as the parks go, I don't see this as being a positive merger. As a DVC member, I really hope that this merger does not happen.

Perhaps if they outlined better their intentions for the parks, cruise line, and DVC, I might feel differently, but they really don't appear to have much interest in those aspects of the company.

I wouldn't worry too much. This was a Comcast press conference. They needed to explain to the public why acquiring Disney would help Comcast first and foremost. They really needed to push forth the idea that the acquisition of ABC and ESPN would be great for Comcast, which it would. It would've been a stretch for them to talk about the cruise lines and theme parks and DVC, since some could argue that this could overstretch Comcast's abilities.

It would've been a stretch for them to talk about the cruise lines and theme parks and DVC, since some could argue that this could overstretch Comcast's abilities.


Precisely what worries me so much about this.

These divisions do not fit well with the others, but they fit very well with each other. No synergy with cable distribution, so why discuss them? Wall Streeters need a reason to see this favorably, and cost-cutting through redundancies have to be at the forefront.
There are no redundancies between theme parks and cable.

Best cases:
1. Comcast spins off theme parks and film divisions as "Walt Disney Company." Sells stock in it, keeps a chunk for itself.
2. Comcast sells theme parks, film divisions and Walt Disney name to Pixar.

Originally posted by sediment
1. Comcast spins off theme parks and film divisions as "Walt Disney Company." Sells stock in it, keeps a chunk for itself.


That's what I'm thinking. Moxin, if this were to happen, I think you would feel better about the transaction. Current management gone. The Walt Disney Company goes back to the way it was (hopefully with a little more money) before it started buying up networks and sports franchises.

Originally posted by sediment
2. Comcast sells theme parks, film divisions and Walt Disney name to Pixar.

I'm hoping not. I think Disney and Pixar would be more successful as separate entities but working together as strategic partners.

Jobs knows quality though. I wouldn't mind seeing him at the helm, especially if he brought in Roy and Gold on the board.