Disney acquires Jetix shares

Disney is to increase local production across Europe for Jetix after acquiring the outstanding shares in the kids broadcaster that it did not already own.

The company previously owned around 74% of Jetix and is now set to own 96% by the end of the year. As a result, Jetix will no longer be listed in the Euronext Amsterdam share index.

This comes following a shake up in Disney’s international channels business that has seen networks come under the control of Disney ABC ESPN Television.

Jetix has been rebranded in the US as Disney XD, although the company says that it will make decisions on rebranding international networks on a case-by-case basis.

Meanwhile, Disney has acquired an additional 23% stake in Indian broadcaster UTV, giving it a majority stake of just under 60%. However, it will not take management control of the company.