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Comcast Offers $66 million for Disney

On February 11th Comcast CEO Brian Roberts announced an unsolicited bid of $66 million to purchase the Disney Company

• Disney said to be near deals with cable firms - (11/1/2006)
  Following long time negotiations reports are Disney is nearing a mutiyear deal with Comcast and Time Warner.
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• Facing competition, Comcast fights back - Reuters (6/30/2004)
  Reuters offers a brief discussion of Comcast's unsuccessful bid for Disney at the end of this article about Comcast's moves to stay competitive.
• In the end, the consumer won - Orlando Sentinel (4/30/2004)
  Orlando Sentinel Columnist Susan Strother Clarke says consumers benefit most from Comcast's failed Disney bid.
• How Comcast Let the Mouse Get Away - Business Week (4/29/2004)
  According to the April 29th Business Week online reports Brian Roberts made two big mistakes in his bid for Disney: Misreading his shareholders' willingness to buy Disney and mishandling its board.
• Comcast drops Disney bid - CNET News (4/28/2004)
  CNET News offers a brief overview of Comcast's bid and its withdrawal. Article includes highlights of Roberts' initial expectations if the merger had occurred.
• Comcast Withdraws Its Bid for The Walt Disney Company - New York Times (4/28/2004)
  The April 28th New York Times reports Comcast's decision to withdraw their unsolicited bid was not unexpected as Disney's and Wall Street's reaction to the bid was "underwhelming."
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• Comcast Drops Disney Offer - TheStreet.com (4/28/2004)
  TheStreet.com discusses Comcast's current economic status and possible future moves as it drops its bid for the Disney Company.
• Comcast Drops Disney - Dow Jones (4/28/2004)
  Dow Jones offers Comcast president Brian L Roberts announcement that the company is withdrawing their takeover bid for the Disney Company.
• After Disney, what might Comcast pursue next? - CBSMarketWatch (4/28/2004)
  The April 28th CBSMarketWatch reports Comcast, which pulled away Wednesday from its attempt to acquire Walt Disney Co., may yet pursue media acquisitions.
• Disney Directors Reiterate Support for Eisner - Los Angeles Times (4/28/2004)
  The April 28th Los Angeles Times discusses Comcast's decision to withdraw their bid for the Disney Company.
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• Disney Bid Could Stay On Table As Comcast Plays Waiting Game - Investors Business Daily (4/21/2004)
  Investors Business Daily reports as Disney shares drift lower Comcast's bid may keep its bid open in hopes it will tumble further during the summer.
• Disney's Lawyer, Mouseketeer's Friend - New York Times (4/19/2004)
  The April 18th New York Times discusses the role of lawyer Martin Lipton in the ongoing Comcast-Disney scenario.
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• Comcast might end its pursuit of Disney - Orlando Sentinel (4/13/2004)
  The April 13th Orlando Sentinel reports an analyst for Banc of America Securities LLC expects Comcast to end its unsolicitied bid for the Disney Company.
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• : Comcast Awaits Disney Action - New York Times (3/23/2004)
  The March 23rd New York Times reports Comcast could keep its bid for Disney open for three - six months.
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• Comcast and Disney can take time - Philadelphia Inquirer (3/22/2004)
  The March 21st Philadelphia Inquirer reports both Comcast and Disney could benefit from waiting on a merger.
• Disney falls as Comcast rumor discounted - (3/15/2004)
  Shares of Walt Disney Co. dropped more than 3 percent Monday, after rumors circulated Friday Comcast Corp. would raise its bid for the media giant over the weekend - a rumor that never came to life.
• Disney's shares takes hit on rumor, terror - (3/15/2004)
  Shares of Walt Disney Co. took a hit Monday after a rumored increase in Comcast's hostile takeover bid failed to materialize and in the wake of the terrorist bombings in Spain that killed 201 people and wounded 1,500.
• Disney on Ice - Motley Fool (3/10/2004)
  The Motley Fool offers its analysis on whether Disney is for sale or not. The discussion includes an analysis of whether the marriage of content and distribution can work.
• Comcast Says Disney Not a 'Must-Have' - (3/9/2004)
  The Associated Press is reporting that Comcast CEO Brian Roberts has said that acquiring Disney is not a necessity. This is in contrast to AT&T Broadband which Roberts said was a must-have. Roberts did say that the proposed acquisition would create value at both companies.
• Comcast gives Disney a digital dig - (3/9/2004)
  Brian Roberts sent a message to Disney at media investors conference that technology is going to transform Disney's business. He said, "Join us now or the revolution may overwhelm you, even if our financial proposal hasn't. "
• Disney president thinks Comcast will try again - (3/9/2004)
  Disney's President and COO, Bob Iger, spoke to an investors conference today where he predicted that Comcast would come back with a more lucrative offer. He said he could envision the marriage between a content company and a distribution company but said that the relationship was not essential. Yesterday, at the same conference, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts said he would not return with a higher offer.
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• Disney's brand is potential gold mine - Orlando Sentinel (3/8/2004)
  The March 8th Orlando Sentinel offers analysts view that the Disney Company's gilded history and its various household names are immeasurable assets,
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• Comcast CEO Stands Behind Original Disney Offer - Dow Jones (3/8/2004)
  The March 8th Dow Jones reports Comcast CEO Brian Roberts once again stated they will not raise their bid for the Disney Company.
• Gates Swats Disney Rumors - Reuters (3/4/2004)
  The March 4th Reuters reports Microsoft chairman Bill Gates has stated he will be a part of the Comcast bid.
• Comcast Response to Announced Disney Shareholders Vote - (3/3/2004)
  Today's unprecedented withhold vote by Disney's shareholders sends a powerful message that Disney's Board and management need to focus more on shareholder interests. Consistent with this focus, Disney's independent directors should immediately meet with Comcast so we can directly present our full and generous proposal and the benefits of the merger.
• Comcast's wish upon a star, Philly World - Philadelphia Inquirer (3/3/2004)
  The Philadelphia Inquirer takes a humorous look at what could happen in Philly should Comcast and Disney merge.
• Coalition protests Comcast proposal - (3/3/2004)
  Two dozen groups say a Disney merger would hurt competition, raise rates, and threaten jobs.
• Eisner's future focus of this future - PhillyNews (3/2/2004)
  The March 2nd PhillyNews offers Pat Croce, the former Sixers president experience with Comcast as a guide for what Disney leadership could expect should the Comcast deal go through.
• Disney Shareholders' Revolt Against Eisner Widens - Dow Jones (2/27/2004)
  The February 27th Dow Jones reports Disney anticipates that over 30% of its shareholders could wind up withholding support from Eisner.
• More states line up against Eisner - (2/27/2004)
  Russ Britt discusses the growing opposition to Eisner as six more state pension funds lined up Thursday to oppose the reelection of Chairman Michael Eisner to the Walt Disney Co. board.
• North Carolina Withholds Votes for Eisner and Audit Committee - (2/27/2004)
  "This is an important test in the new world of corporate governance. As one of the most visible companies in the country Disney's management needs to be more responsive to its owners. The failure of the company to generate long term value for shareholders combined with their past inattention to good corporate governance practices has forced us to take this step," said State Treasurer Richard Moore.
• More votes for anti-Eisner movement - CBS MarketWatch (2/27/2004)
  North Carolina's state-pension fund managers is the latest state to join the movement to withhold their votes from Michael Eisner.
• Eisner In Sights Of Growing Number Of Pension Funds - Dow Jones (2/27/2004)
  The February 26th Dow Jones reports a growing number of big public pension funds are registerting a vote of "no confidence" due to concerns with Disney's performance and governance issues.
• Get Mickey II, The Plot Thickens - Business Week Online (2/27/2004)
  Business Week Online discusses Comcast's options in a continued bid for Disney.
• Microsoft role in Comcast-Disney: Partner - Philadelphia Inquirer (2/26/2004)
  The February 25th Philadelphia Inquirer reports Microsoft Corp. could provide the cash needed by Comcast Corp to sweeten the deal for Disney.
• GE not worried about any Comcast, Disney combination - CBS MarketWatch (2/26/2004)
  The February 26th CBS MarketWatch offers GE's Jeffrey Immelt thoughts on the possible Comcast-Disney merger.
• AFL-CIO leans on Comcast - Philly.com (2/26/2004)
  The AFL-CIO is leaning on Comcast Corp to change its board structure giving more control to shareholders.
• Did the Mouse Speak Too Soon? - Business Week (2/25/2004)
  Business Week reports after hearing that Comcast wanted to make a bid, Disney's board scrambled to formulate a rejection -- before it knew the details.
• NYSE defends against harsh words from Nasdaq - CBSMarketWatch (2/25/2004)
  CBSMarketWatch reports the New York Stock Exchange defended itself following remarks by rival Nasdaq's chief over trading of Comcast and Walt Disney shares.
• Comcast Could Add Cash to Disney Bid - Merrill Lynch - Dow Jones (2/25/2004)
  The February 25th Dow Jones reports Comcast Corp would likely need to add cash to their bid for Disney.
• Takeover offer did not catch Eisner off guard - Orlando Sentinel (2/24/2004)
  Disney's chairman said the board knew Comcast might submit a bid.
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• Another bidder Seen Emerging for Disney - Forbes (2/23/2004)
  Forbes offers Merrill Lynch speculation regarding the remote prospect of a three-way deal involving Disney, Liberty Media and InterActive Corp.
• Class Action Lawsuit Against Disney Co Announced by Squitieri & Fearon, LLP - (2/23/2004)
  The Complaint charges The Walt Disney Company and Michael Eisner with violating the federal securities laws by failing to disclose that Comcast Corp .'s CEO had approached Disney with an offer to merge Disney and Comcast. The Complaint charges that each defendant violated Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and SEC Rule 10b-5 by omitting to disclose the offer from Comcast and charges Michael Eisner with violating Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act.
• If fired, Eisner won't go hungry - Orlando Sentinel (2/23/2004)
  The February 22nd Orlando Sentinel discusses Eisner's severance plan.
• Union challenges Comcast CEO - CNN Money (2/23/2004)
  CNN Money reports the Communications Workers of America have their position on a company's proxy statement. They are challenging the voting control of Brian Roberts and his family.
• What Comcast's Disney Bid Says About Commercial TV - AdAge.com (2/23/2004)
  The February 23th AdAge.com reports Comcast is purchasing Disney for its content illustrating that commercial TV is still the best game in town.
• OrlSen; Anxiety rocks kingdom - Orlando Sentinel (2/23/2004)
  The Orlando Sentinel talks with members of the NFFC - the club for Disneyana Enthusiasts about Comcast's recent bid for the Disney Company.
• Michael Eisner Appearing on Larry King Live Tonight - CNN (2/20/2004)
  Disney CEO Michael Eisner gives his first interview since Comcast Corp.'s hostile takeover bid. He joins Larry to discuss the battle over the Magic Kingdom.
• Disney Gadflies Also Oppose Comcast's Bid - (2/20/2004)
  Roy E Disney and Stanley Gold call Comcast's bid "inadequate"
• Comcast Focus On Creating Value - Philadelphia Inquirer (2/20/2004)
  The February 20th Philadelphia Inquirer reports Roy Disney and Stanley Gold have not been in contact. Disney and Gold are continuing their efforts to vote No on re-election of Eisner and other directors.
• Call Comcast board The Family Channel - PhillyNews (2/20/2004)
  The PhillyNews reports half of Comcast Corp.'s 12-member board either work for Comcast or have business ties to it.
• Eisner Needs a Little Ugly Dust to Save the Kingdom - Los Angeles times (2/20/2004)
  Author Andy Kessler offers Michael Eisner advice on protecting Disney from the Comcast takeover.
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• Future of On-Demand Video Now Is in Play - Los Angeles Times (2/20/2004)
  The February 20th Los Angeles Times looks at Comcast's desire to acquire content as video-on-demand grows in popularity.
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• Disney has no 'for sale' sign out - Reuters (2/19/2004)
  The February 19th Reuters reports Disney Chief Operating Officer Bob Iger said the company did not have plans to reopen talks with Pixar and in a CNBC stated Disney would be open to legitimate proposals but didn't have a "for sale sign on the door."
• Video-on-demand a key to Disney Quest - Philadelphia Inquirer (2/19/2004)
  The February 19th Philadelphia Inquirer describes video-on-demand as a strong motivator in Comcast's move to purchase Disney as it would give them access to ESPN sports coverage, ABC sitcoms, classic animation and more for the popular feature of cable television.
• Eisner Defends Disney Co in E-Mail to Staff - Dow Jones (2/19/2004)
  The February 18th Dow Jone discusses Michael Eisner's email to Disney employees defending the decision to reject Comcast's bid.
• Hearst Could Be Disney's Shield Against Comcast - New York Post (2/18/2004)
  The February 18th New York Post reports Disney is reaching out to various media companies including Hearst Corp in hopes of thwarting Comcast's bid.
• Comcast's Waiting Game - Business Week (2/18/2004)
  The February 18th Business Week reviews the Comcast-Disney merger speculating that Comcast is betting time will push Disney's stock price back to a level that will make their original offer look good.
• Comcast in no rush to buy Disney - Philadelphia Inquirer (2/18/2004)
  The February 18th Philadelphia Inquirer reports Comcast is in no hurry to sweeten their bid for Disney quoting one source as saying, "Why bid against ourselves?"
• Comcast Finds Itself Increasingly Hamstrung - TheStreet.com (2/18/2004)
  The February 18th TheStreet.com looks at Comcast's economic hurdles in purchasing Disney.
• Investors Appear to Be Girding for Long Fight - Los Angeles Times (2/18/2004)
  The February 18th Los Angeles Times reports Comcast is set to wait and analysts are split on whether time is on Comcast's or Disney's side.
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• Sports fans can offer a preview of Comcast-Disney Merger - Philadelphia Inquirer (2/18/2004)
  The Philadelphia Inquirer discusses Comcast SportsNet as a model for how Comcast would handle premier content like ESPN, ABC and Disney Channel programming.
• Cloud over Magic Kingdom worries Disney tattoo guy - Reuters (2/18/2004)
  The February 17th Reuters talks with Disney tattoo guy, George Reiger about the possible Comcast - Disney merger.
• Disney board weighs plans to oust Eisner - Times (2/17/2004)
  The February 15th Times reports Disney's presiding director has been advised to find a replacemetn for Disney's CEO Eisner.
• Disney says no post-Eisner plan in works - CBS MarketWatch (2/17/2004)
  "The allegation contained in today's Sunday Times of London story is totally and categorically false; it is a complete fabrication," Disney presiding director George Mitchell said.
• The Wonderful World of (Roy) Disney - New York Times (2/17/2004)
  The February 15th New York Times reports that Roy Disney is closer to achieving his goal of ousting Eisner thanks to the Comcast bid but may not be closer to his goal of returning Disney to "the values of Walt Disney."
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• Mike to Mike; Hey, I Feel Your Pain - Newsweek (2/17/2004)
  Newsweek writer Allan Sloan presents what a letter from AT&T's ex-CEO Michael Armstrong to Disney's Michael Eisner might look like.
• Target Disney - Newsweek (2/17/2004)
  Newsweek asks, "How did an American icon like Mickey fall prey to a drab cable operator like Comcast?" It's an intricate tale of bleeding-edge technology, big personalities and hunger for power. Site also offers free video of Eisner's recent CNBC interview with Jerry Cobb.
• Disney Loyalists Fear New Owner - Los Angeles Times (2/17/2004)
  The February 17th Los Angeles Times offers fans worries that Comcast will not preserve Disney's heritage and culture.
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• Origins of the Takeover Proposal - Los Angeles Times (2/17/2004)
  The February 16th Los Angeles Times describes Comcast's recent interaction with Disney chief Michael Eisner.
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• Disney Board Unanimously Rejects Comcast Proposal - (2/17/2004)
  The Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company announced on February 16th they had unanimously rejected the proposal by Comcast Corporation to acquire Disney by trading .78 of a share of Comcast for each share of Disney.
• Comcast Statement Regarding Disney Company - (2/17/2004)
  Comcast released a statement on February 16th following the Disney Board's decision to reject their proposal, "Our proposal to acquire The Walt Disney Company reflects a full and generous valuation based upon Disney's prospects and performance over a long period of time..."
• Disney Ends Round 1 - The Motley Fool (2/17/2004)
  The Motley Fool discusses the latest maneuvers by Comcast and Disney.
• Viacom Isn't Interested in Bidding for Disney - Dow Jones (2/17/2004)
  Mel Karmazin, president and chief operating officer of Viacom, said his company wasn't interested in "interfering" in Comcast's unsolicited bid for Disney
• Comcast mulls next step after Disney rebuffs takeover bid as too low - Agence France Presse (2/17/2004)
  Agence France Presse takes a look at the Comcast-Disney merger.
• Comcast Won't Meet Disney Price - Source - New York Times (2/17/2004)
  The February 17th New York Times reports Comcast Corp is not interested in raising its bid to match Disney's current stock price.
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• Comcast Now in 'No-Win Situation' - Media Analyst - (2/17/2004)
  Paul Kim, senior media analyst with Tradition Asiel Securities believes Comcast is in a "no-win situation where they may have to chase a higher bid"
• Microsoft stands to gain in Disney drama - (2/17/2004)
  If Comcast's purchase of Disney is realized Microsoft would end up controlling about 4 percent of the merged company.
• Microsoft a Disney suitor? - Hollywood Reporter (2/17/2004)
  According to the Hollywood Reporter, Microsoft could be the silent partner waiting in the wings to help Comcast purchase Disney.
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• Comcast fails standards test, keeps company with Disney - Orange County Register (2/17/2004)
  The February 17th Orange County Register reports Comcast flunked a corporate governance test from the Corporate Library.
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• Stable cable connection - Orange County Register (2/17/2004)
  The February 17th Orange County Register looks at Comcast's move to purchase Disney as a way to ensure its video offerings.
• Comcast-Disney: Good Match of Pricey Assets - TheStreet.com (2/17/2004)
  Preventing a dilution of value will be hard, but not impossible, in deal haunted by AOL-Time Warner memory.
• Comcast Bid Sparks Feeding Frenzy - (2/17/2004)
  Comcast's hostile bid will spur other media giants to join the fray, says David Usborne in New York.
• Hunting Disney - The Economist (2/17/2004)
  The Economist discusses the Comcast-Disney merger.
• What Comcast workers are saying about the bid - Philadelphia Inquirer (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th Philadelphia Inquirer offers Comcast workers response to merger news. Most expressed excitement, uncertainty, and the hope of Disney World discounts.
• Might Disney turn tables and bid for Comcast? - CBS MarketWatch (2/13/2004)
  Wall Street observers expect aggressive tactics from Eisner.
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• Valuing Disney: What Is a Mouse Worth? - New York Times (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th New York Times looks at the value of the Walt Disney Company.
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• Die-hard Disney fans saddened by takeover bid news - Forbes (2/13/2004)
  Forbes offers the fan's viewpoint on the Comcast bid to takeover Disney.
• Comcast and Disney - Philadelphia Inquirer (2/13/2004)
  Philadelphia Inquirer editorial discusses Comcast's bid to purchase Disney and its possible impact on the city of brotherly love.
• FL Governor Bush Reacts to Comcast Disney Deal - WDBO (2/13/2004)
  Governor Jeb Bush is keeping a close eye on what happens with the proposed merger between Disney and Comcast. He's already talked to an Executive Vice-President with Comcast calling their phone conversation encouraging.
• Troubles at ABC May Leave Disney Vulnerable - Los Angeles Times (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th Los Angeles Times reviews ABC lackluster performance.
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• Park observers shrug off takeover talk - Orlando Sentinel (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th Orlando Sentinel discusses the possible impact Comcast's purchase of Disney could have on the theme parks.
• Trying to tell the Good Guys from the Bad Guys - Jim Hill Media (2/13/2004)
  At the end of a pretty amazing week of Disney-related news, Jim Hill shares the latest Roy/Stanley/Michael/Pixar/Comcast theories ... then wonders why he's suddenly feeling sorry for Disney's embattled CEO.
• Comcast seen as Disney's top suitor - Philly.com (2/13/2004)
  Analysts say the other potential bidders for the company face financial or antitrust obstacles.
• Comcast Woos Pixar to Gain Shareholders' OK - New York Post (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th New York Post reports Comcast is wooing Pixar Animation Studios in hopes of sweetening their bid in the eyes of Disney shareholders.
• Comcast-Disney: One goofy idea - Chicago Tribune (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th Chicago Tribune offers a list of recommendations for the Comcast-Disney merger entitled "Spreading the Love: Bringing Cable Customer Service to the Theme Park Environment"
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• Will Comcast swallow the mouse? - Orange County Register (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th Orange County Register discusses the possible impact of a Comcast - Disney merger and explores what leads to a company merger.
• Advertising: As Brands, Comcast and Disney Are Awkward Pair - New York Times (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th New York Times explores the various new names for the company created by a Comcast-Disney.
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• Comcast Shareholders Have Little Difficulty Containing Enthusiasm - New York Times (2/13/2004)
  The February 13th New York Times discusses the various paths Comcast could take in its effort to purchase Disney.
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• Comcast not on Eisner's agenda - Hollywood Reporter (2/13/2004)
  According to the February 13th Hollywood Reporter describes Eisner's demeanor and the general atmosphere at the company's investor conference.
• Eisner fights for life at Disney meeting - CNN (2/13/2004)
  Top executives at Walt Disney Co. focused on the company's outlook in a presentation Thursday, as analysts and investors awaited a chance to grill Chief Executive Michael Eisner later in the day over Comcast Corp.'s hostile takeover bid.
• Disney's own digital divide - CNet (2/12/2004)
  The February 11th CNet calls Disney's failure to capitalize on the digital revolution in entertainment a key factor in the company's vulnerability to Comcast's hostile takeover bid.
• Time Warner May Join Mouse Hunt - New York Post (2/12/2004)
  The February 12th New York Post reports Time Warner is weighing a possible bid for Disney.
• Harvey To Tap Banker for Disney Scuffle - New York Post (2/12/2004)
  The February 12th New York Post reports Miramax chief Harvey Weinstein has hired an investment banker represent his studio's own interest in the takeover fight at Disney.
• How high can Disney's stock go? - CBS MarketWatch (2/12/2004)
  When Comcast revealed its intent to acquire Walt Disney in a hostile, $66 billion deal, Disney shares rocketed -- and the target's shareholders were very happy. CBS Marketwatch columnist Jon Friedman asks, "Will their joy be short-lived?"
• Eisner made Disney vulnerable - Orlando Sentinel (2/12/2004)
  The February 12th Orlando Sentinel columnist Susan Strother Clarke explains why Michael Eisner is to blame for Disney's vulnerability.
• Eisner Is Toast - Orange County Register (2/12/2004)
  Orange County Register columnist Jonathan Lansner discusses Comcast's "brilliantly orchestrated" bid for the Disney Co which he feels leaves Eisner on the ropes.
• Now Its Mickey Mouse That Comcast Wants - Philadelphia Daily News (2/12/2004)
  Philadelphia Daily News applauds Comcast Corp's move to purchase Disney and discusses the impact on Philly.
• The Disney Bid - Forbes.com (2/12/2004)
  Forbes.com has collected all of their news on the bid, plus an archive consisting of the best of their recent Disney coverage onto a single page. They suggest bookmarking that page as they will update it often.
• Cable giant makes play for mouse, Video of Comcast Conference - USA Today (2/12/2004)
  The February 11th USA Today explores Comcast's offer to purchase Disney. Page includes a link to video of Comcast's presentation yesterday announcing their expectations for the acquisition of Disney.
• Bottom-Up Comcast Wants To Go Top Down - Forbes (2/12/2004)
  A look at the strengths and weaknesses of Comcast's fit with Disney, discusses the strength of Comcast president Stephen Burke's experience as a Disney executive stating that he had once been considered by many a possible successor to Eisner.
• Disney Exec Burke Knows His New Prey - Los Angeles Times (2/12/2004)
  The February 12th Los Angeles Times discusses Comcast's Steve Burke's previous history as a Disney executive.
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• Of Mouse and Men - Los Angeles Times (2/12/2004)
  The February 12th Los Angeles Times offers a brief bio of Comcast CEO Brian L Roberts.
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• A Close Look at Eisner's Stewardship of Disney Shows Many Weaknesses - Los Angeles Times (2/12/2004)
  The February 12th Los Angeles Times takes a look at Eisner's struggle to remain chief at Disney comparing it to California Governor Davis' recent battle.
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• Disney fight brews - Orlando Sentinel (2/12/2004)
  The February 12th Orlando Sentinel discusses Comcast's offer to purchase the Disney Company.
• Comcast takeover bid changes outlook as Disney earnings soar - Orlando Sentinel (2/12/2004)
  The February 12th Orlando Sentinel reports Disney's posted strong earnings this quarter and offers the insights of Clay Singleton, finance professor at Rollins College.
• Merger deal would face federal hurdles - Orlando Sentinel (2/12/2004)
  The Orlando Sentinel reports government agencies will have to approve the Comcast-Disney marriage if the two companies come to terms.
• Disney Buyout Threatens Central Florida - WDBO (2/12/2004)
  WDBO offers audio clips from Disney expert and author of Married to the Mouse: Walt Disney World and Orlando, Ric Fogelsong.
• Comcast Press Conference Announcing Disney Bid - (2/11/2004)
  Audio recording of the press conference featuring Comcast's expectations if the proposed merger is accepted. The presentation's slideshow graphics is also posted.
• Comcast Proposes to Buy Walt Disney - Associated Press (2/11/2004)
  The Associated Press is reporting that in a surprise move cable TV giant Comcast Corp. proposed early Wednesday to but the Walt Dsiney Company for stock valued at $54 billion.
• Comcast Outlines Plans to Revitalize Disney - (2/11/2004)
  During a February 11th conference call Comcast President Steve Burke and Comcast CEO Brian Roberts discussed their plans to revitalize Disney stating "We think Disney should be Number 1 in animation".
• Cartoon ambition of lionised cable king - Guardian Unlimited (2/11/2004)
  Guardian Unlimited discusses the career of Comcast CEO Brian Roberts.
• Disney Mulling Comcast - The Street (2/11/2004)
  The Street reports Comcast laments Eisner's unwillingness to negotiate a friendly deal.
• Analyst sees Disney theme parks valued at up to $15 billion - CBS MarketWatch (2/11/2004)
  CBS MarketWatch reports Disney's amusements parks could be worth $15 billion and are not expected to remain a Comcast asset for the long term if the merger is accepted.
• Comcast taps Wall Street's biggest names for Disney Bid - CBS MarketWatch (2/11/2004)
  CBS MarketWatch reports Comcast has brought in Wall Street luminary Felix Rohatyn as an adviser on the deal and feels this signifies they are more than serious about their bid to purchase Disney.
• Disney Hit With Two Lawsuits - The Street (2/11/2004)
  The Street reports a Disney shareholder has filed a lawsuit alleging Disney CEO Eisner's reported refusal to consider the merger with Comcast means that Eisner and the rest of the Disney board "are attempting unfairly to deprive plaintiff and other members of the Class the true value of their investment in Disney." The article also highlights a lawsuit filed by Roy E Disney seeking an order compelling Disney to hand over "certain stocklist materials and books and records of the Company for purposes of inspection and copying."
• Fund shareholders enjoy Disney ride - CBS MarketWatch (2/11/2004)
  Comcast's surprise bid for Walt Disney puts some mutual-fund shareholders in a front-row seat, and many fund managers expect the show to get even better.
• Are Eisner's days numbered as Disney's CEO? - CBS MarketWatch (2/11/2004)
  The February 11th CBS MarketWatch quotes Michael Holland, head of Holland & Co., a money management firm in New York, "This is the beginning of the end for the CEO reign for Michael Eisner. The only thing that would stop this train of events is a board that would exhibit weakness and subservience."
• Disney deal could lead to ABC, ESPN offerings - CBS MarketWatch (2/11/2004)
  Wall Street speculations if Comcast acquires Disney includes the possibility of initial public offerings of shares in ESPN, ABC and other Disney units.
• Comcast Sees Broadband Dominance in Disney Bid - Internet News (2/11/2004)
  Comcast feels a union with Disney would create "create one of the world's leading entertainment and communications companies with an unparalleled distribution platform and an extraordinary portfolio of content assets."
• Comcast's Low Disney Bid May Spur Rival Offers - (2/11/2004)
  An analyst with Schwab Soundview Capital Markets considers Comcast's bid too low and suggests it may open the door to rival bids.
• Comcast's Disney Bid Lifts European Media - (2/11/2004)
  Comcast's bid for Disney triggered an increase in stock prices for European media companies.
• Vivendi shares soar on news of Comcast bid for Disney - Agence France Presse (2/11/2004)
  The February 11th Agence France Presse announces the French media group Vivendi Universal shares rose on Comcast's announced its interest to purchase Disney.