Disney Acquires Muppets and Bear

On February 17th the Disney Company announced their purchase of the Muppets and Bear in the Big Blue House

• Disney Prepares to Use Its Marketing Magic to Bring Back the Muppets - New YorkTimes (9/22/2008)
  The New YorkTimes discusses the various media platforms Disney will utilize to re-introduce a varied audience to the Muppets. Among these will be a Muppets Desperate Housewives spoof on that series upcoming dvd release, numerous online videos, an NBC special, and more.
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• Muppet Update - (6/1/2004)
  Jim Hill reports what's been going on since the Walt Disney Company officially completed its acquisition of the Jim Henson characters.
• DIS Co Completes Acquisition of the 'Muppets' and 'Bear in the Big Blue House' - (4/28/2004)
  Disney has already begun integrating these characters into the company. Kermit and Miss Piggy appeared on the widely-watched inaugural episode of The Nick and Jessica Variety Show on ABC. Other initiatives actively under consideration include live action releases, theatrical productions, computer-generated three-dimensional animation projects and attractions and parades at Disney's theme parks.
• You will believe that a Pig can fly. (Frogs too!) - Jim Hill Media (2/19/2004)
  Jim Hill highlights his past LaughingPlace.com articles about Disney's proposed Muppet projects and reports WDI is once again looking at these projects.
• Disney Co Buys Muppets and Bear in the Big Blue House - (2/18/2004)
  The transaction includes all Muppet assets, including the Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo and Animal characters, the Muppet film and television library, and all associated copyrights and trademarks, as well as all the Bear in the Big Blue House characters, television library, copyrights and trademarks.
• Is the Muppets deal really part of Michael Eisner's Wall St distraction plan? - Jim Hill Media (2/18/2004)
  Jim Hill wants to feel happy about yesterday's announcement. But -- at the same time -- he wonders: How can Henson's kids actually sell the Muppets off to a man who clearly doesn't view these beloved characters as an asset.
• Disney Deal: Kermit Goes For The Big Bucks - Forbes (2/18/2004)
  The February 18th Forbes discusses yesterday's announcement that Disney purchased the Muppets and Bear in the Big Blue House characters.
• Muppets join Disney's World - Orlando Sentinel (2/18/2004)
  Disney's purchase of the Muppets is not large enough to make it a "poison pill", a move that could fend off Comcast's bid.
• Disney Gets Piggy - The Motley Fool (2/18/2004)
  The Motley Fool discusses Disney's move to fill the void left by Pixar with its purchase of the Muppets and Bear in the Big Blue House.
• Mickey meets the Muppets - Associated Press (2/18/2004)
  The Associated Press reports the Disney Company has purchased the Muppets and Bear in the Big Blue House from the Henson Company. Henson retains its Creature Shop, which builds the puppet characters, and the rights to its film and TV library, including Fraggle Rock and Farscape.
• Amid turmoil, Disney buys creator of 'The Muppets' - CBS MarketWatch (2/18/2004)
  The February 17th CBS MarketWatch reports Brian and Lisa Henson said they thought the pact would allow both franchises to reach their full potential.
• Disney clinches deal to acquire the Muppets - Financial Times (2/18/2004)
  The Financial Times offers Disney's chief strategic officer Peter Murphy's remark that "conversations" with the Hensons began last summer. Disney has signed a binding purchase agreement and the transaction will close within two months.