By now, everyone knows that the $4.05 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm by Walt Disney was a major coup for both sides. For one, Lucasfilms now has the money and reach to further its products perhaps well into future generations. Disney, on the other hand, has won a stable solid franchise with loyal enduring fanbase both young and old, which will span not just into new Star Wars movies, but delving into Television, theme park rides, toys, and games.
For just the past movie franchise, Forbes noted in 2007 that, “Star Wars’ initial release was followed by another five blockbuster films and a mini-industry of tapes and DVDs, toys, video games and books. Taken together over its 30 years of cultural dominance, the Star Wars franchise has earned more than $22 billion.” Another figure in late 2011 put the total Star Wars franchise value at a whopping $27 billion from Statistic Brain (using Forbes and Lucasfilm data). The figure of over $30 billion was using more recent 2012 data, and some of the calculations were extremely conservative.
HOW MUCH IS GEORGE LUCAS WORTH NOW?
The star wars creator George Lucas is a multi-billionaire, no doubt. A year ago his net worth was listed as $3.2 billion by Forbes. Lucas is effectively the sole owner of Lucasfilm and the assets that are coming along with the sale to Disney. He will now be worth more than $7 billion today, without considering taxes.
DISNEY SHARES EFFECT
The stock and cash transaction is valued at $4.05 billion, with half of acquisition costs being paid in Disney shares – approximately 40 million of them – which were trading this morning at $48.99, compared to a 52-week range of $33.28 to $53.40.
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