The Walt Disney Co. expanded its media business in Europe by purchasing shares to up its stake to 96 percent in Jetix Europe N.V. The deal is expected to be completed by the end of the year and Disney intends to obtain 100 percent ownership Jetix, a media company comprised of television channels, program distribution and consumer products businesses. The acquisition positions Disney to better serve its growing Jetix audience and distribution partners through improved programming and more targeted branding. Disney acquired its original interest in Jetix Europe (formerly Fox Kids Europe), which reached 24 million subscribers, when it purchased Fox Family Worldwide from News Corp. in 2001.
