Mr. Stefani
01-29-2004, 10:39 PM
1/29/2004 4:25:16 PM
LOS ANGELES, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Pixar Animation Studios Inc. (PIXR) said on Thursday it had broken off talks with Walt Disney Co. (DIS) to extend their lucrative movie distribution deal that has resulted in such blockbusters as "Toy Story," "Monsters Inc." and "Finding Nemo."
The computer animation pioneer said it said it would look for another studio partner and would begin talks with other companies to distribute its films starting in 2006.
The move was a blow to Disney, which reaped a financial and critical bonanza from the partnership and has struggled with its own strategy for animation. Their deal includes two more films in production.
"After 10 months of trying to strike a deal with Disney, we're moving on," said Pixar Chief Executive Steve Jobs.
"We've had a great run together -- one of the most successful in Hollywood history -- and it's a shame that Disney won't be participating in Pixar's future successes."
Disney was not immediately available for comment. Its stock fell quickly in after hours trade to $23.54 from $24.45 at the close on the New York Stock Exchange.
LOS ANGELES, Jan 29 (Reuters) - Pixar Animation Studios Inc. (PIXR) said on Thursday it had broken off talks with Walt Disney Co. (DIS) to extend their lucrative movie distribution deal that has resulted in such blockbusters as "Toy Story," "Monsters Inc." and "Finding Nemo."
The computer animation pioneer said it said it would look for another studio partner and would begin talks with other companies to distribute its films starting in 2006.
The move was a blow to Disney, which reaped a financial and critical bonanza from the partnership and has struggled with its own strategy for animation. Their deal includes two more films in production.
"After 10 months of trying to strike a deal with Disney, we're moving on," said Pixar Chief Executive Steve Jobs.
"We've had a great run together -- one of the most successful in Hollywood history -- and it's a shame that Disney won't be participating in Pixar's future successes."
Disney was not immediately available for comment. Its stock fell quickly in after hours trade to $23.54 from $24.45 at the close on the New York Stock Exchange.