(
)
(
)
Call it Bob Iger’s $15 billion bet.
The Disney CEO’s $4 billion acquisition of George Lucas’ Lucasfilm this week is just the latest of several billion-dollar-plus acquisitions the media titan has made in recent years — moves some say are an attempt to shore up his legacy.
Iger is betting the content acquired in his spending spree — which includes bringing Marvel and its “Avengers” franchise into the Mouse House for $4 billion in 2009 and annexing Pixar’s “Toy Story” tent pole for $7 billion in 2006 — will remain popular and profitable as consumers move to more mobile platforms, and beyond.
“Disney is a far stronger company for having made the studio acquisitions,” said David Bank, a media analyst at RBC Capital, “even while its own Disney studio label has been less stellar.”
Disney and Hearst just bought Comcast’s interest in A&E TV Networks for $3 billion, and a year ago Disney’s ESPN agreed on a deal to pay NFL $1.9 billion a year.
The media giant has also been mentioned as a possible buyer for Scripps Networks Interactive, and while the two firms had held discussions some time ago, it’s unclear whether there remains any interest on either side.
“What Bob’s doing is establishing a legacy,” one Hollywood source told The Post. “He wants to run for office. This deal [Lucasfilm] isn’t just a group of IP and collateral — it’s a group of personalities and talent and if he can outperform on that, then he can perform on any area.”
Iger has been rumored to harbor an interest in a candidacy for the California statehouse.
However, Disney has denied those reports.
Iger’s contract runs through March 2015.