October 30, 2012 – Disney Agrees to Plans to Purchase Lucasfilm
“Global leader in high-quality family entertainment agrees to acquire world-renowned Lucasfilm Ltd, including legendary STAR WARS franchise.”
On October 30, 2012, Disney agreed to acquire Lucasfilm Ltd. through a stock and cash transaction to owner George Lucas. The overall deal was worth $4.05 billion, with Disney acquiring all aspects of the company, including LucasArts, Industrial Light & Magic, and Skywalker Sound. Co-Chairman Kathleen Kennedy was named as the President of Lucasfilm within its new incorporated structure, and serves as the brand manager for the Star Wars franchise. George Lucas would remain as a creative consultant for the successful film franchise. The announcement also came with the promise that the first Star Wars continuation film would be released in 2015. CEO Bob Iger also went on record to say “As far as the legacy George [Lucas] has created, we don’t take that lightly. We definitely plan to expand the presence of Star Wars in our parks which could include new parks.”
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