Introduction to Disney's Future Acquisitions and Monopoly Concerns

In the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, Disney is one of the largest and most influential players. However, as the world watches closely, questions arise about what Disney will own by 2023 and whether it will lead to a monopoly. This article will explore these concerns, discussing potential acquisitions, the recent acquisition of 21st Century Fox, and the impact of CEO succession.

Disney's Ambitions and the Fox Merger

The acquisition of 21st Century Fox was a significant milestone for Disney, costing over $70 billion. This deal dwarfs all previous acquisitions combined and significantly expanded Disney's reach in the film, television, and digital content sectors. However, the merger has also brought with it increased scrutiny over potential monopolistic practices. As things stand, any further acquisitions could result in substantial legal challenges.

Integration Efforts and Future Plans

Given the sheer size and complexity of the 21st Century Fox assets, significant integration efforts are required. With elements such as 20th Century Fox Film and Television, National Geographic, FX Networks, and Fox Searchlight, among others, Disney faces a gargantuan task in merging these operations efficiently. Furthermore, with the current CEO, Robert A. Iger, set to retire in 2021, there is uncertainty regarding Disney's future strategic directions. The next CEO will play a pivotal role in shaping Disney's growth plans and acquisition strategies.

Potential Future Acquisitions and Their Implications

The potential future of Disney revolves around the identity of its new CEO, and this may dictate the types of acquisitions Disney decides to pursue.

Bob Chapek (Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products): Under his leadership, Disney might focus on expanding its overseas park and licensing/retail operations, leveraging the success of its existing theme parks and retail experiences. Kevin Mayer (Disney Direct-to-Consumer): If chosen, Mayer may prioritize additional partnerships and acquisitions with smaller studios and content companies around the globe, aiming to diversify and globalize the content pipeline. Peter Rice (Disney/ABC Group): With his experience at 21st Century Fox, Rice could focus on bringing adult-oriented and mature content under the Disney umbrella, catering to a broader audience.

Personal Insights and Recommendations

While personally, I would love to see Disney expanding into areas like video games (Square Enix, Nintendo, Activision-Blizzard) or toys (Hasbro, Lego), the current environment may not permit such large-scale acquisitions. Instead, smaller, more strategic partnerships and minor acquisitions are more likely. The key to Disney's future lies in its ability to innovate and diversify its offerings, ensuring continued relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Conclusion

The future of Disney's acquisitions and expansion plans is uncertain, but as the industry evolves, so too must Disney's strategies. With a new CEO leading the way, the coming years will undoubtedly be transformative for Disney, shaping its place in an increasingly competitive and globalized entertainment market.