Rumors of Pixar sale to Disney resurface

Under its current deal, Pixar creates and produces movies while Disney markets and distributes them worldwide, for a fee. The two companies share all costs and profits that turn up from the agreement. As Pixar has grown, however, Jobs has said he wants a deal with Disney, or another studio, that would allow Pixar to keep the profits from its films while paying its partner a distribution fee only, according to the report.

Past talks between Pixar and Disney fell through in January of 2004 as a result of friction between Jobs and Disney's then-CEO Michael Eisner. Iger, Disney's new CEO, has apparently been expressing interest in a new distribution deal to Pixar.

Acquisition possible?

Analysts are speculating about whether the rumored acquisition would benefit Disney, since it would probably pay a premium price for the film company.

"Even under optimistic assumptions, the deal would likely be dilutive to Disney for the foreseeable future," said Michael Savner, Bank of America Securities analyst. "We also expect that there could be integration/cultural issues," he wrote. "Arguably, what has made Pixar so successful is its independent culture and its singular focus on quality. The obvious risk to an acquisition is that both are sacrificed."

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