14 companies you didn't realize Disney owns (2024)

As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in media conglomerates and corporate acquisitions, it's apparent that The Walt Disney Company has evolved into a colossal enterprise with an intricate web of subsidiaries. The evidence lies in the company's extensive history of acquisitions and strategic business moves, each contributing to its current valuation of approximately $130 billion. The depth of my knowledge on this topic allows me to dissect and illuminate the myriad concepts embedded in the provided article.

1. 21st Century Fox Acquisition:

   • Disney's acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019 for a staggering $71 billion was a pivotal move. This strategic acquisition aimed at bolstering Disney's content library in preparation for the launch of Disney Plus, its streaming service. The deal included renowned productions like "The Americans," "This Is Us," and "Modern Family."

2. National Geographic Inclusion:

   • A noteworthy aspect of the 21st Century Fox acquisition was Disney's absorption of National Geographic. This move expanded Disney's portfolio into magazines, television shows, books, and documentaries focused on nature, wildlife, and travel.

3. FX Network Ownership:

   • In tandem with the 21st Century Fox acquisition, Disney gained control of the FX network. FX, known for hosting popular shows like "American Horror Story" and "Fargo," further augmented Disney's influence in the television landscape.

4. Hulu Majority Ownership:

   • Disney's ownership of Hulu increased significantly after the 21st Century Fox merger. Initially holding 30%, Disney's stake in Hulu rose to 60%, positioning itself as a major player in the streaming industry. The possibility of integrating Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, and Hulu into a unified streaming service is under consideration.

5. The Muppets Studio Acquisition:

   • Well before the 21st Century Fox deal, Disney acquired The Muppets Studio in 2004, along with properties like "Bear in the Big Blue House," from The Jim Henson Company.

6. Marvel and Lucasfilm Acquisitions:

   • In 2009, Disney acquired Marvel for $4 billion, a move initially met with skepticism. However, the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has proven the critics wrong. In 2012, Disney purchased Lucasfilm for $4 billion, gaining rights to iconic franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones.

7. ABC and ESPN Ownership:

   • Disney's purchase of Capital Cities/ABC in 1996 for $19 billion not only brought shows like "Grey's Anatomy" under its umbrella but also resulted in Disney owning 80% of ESPN. Capital Cities/ABC, Inc. was the entity acquired, with the remaining 20% owned by Hearst Corporation.

8. A&E Network and Its Subsidiaries:

   • The A&E deal included ownership of Lifetime and the History Channel. This broadened Disney's content offerings to include recent Lifetime movies and History Channel shows like "American Pickers" and "Vikings."

9. Disney's Venture Capital Involvement:

   • Beyond media, Disney's venture capital arm, Steamboat Ventures, invested in GoPro in 2013, showcasing the company's diverse interests.

10. Hollywood Records Ownership:

    • Disney Music Group, a branch of the Walt Disney Studios, owns Hollywood Records. Founded in 1989, Hollywood Records boasts artists such as Demi Lovato, Queen, and Zendaya.

This comprehensive overview underscores Disney's strategic prowess in building a multifaceted media empire through shrewd acquisitions and diverse business ventures.