The Walt Disney Co. has added some 5,000 animated characters to its roster through a purchase of Marvel Entertainment Inc. in a deal worth $4 billion. The acquisition brings Disney’s global reach and business structure to Marvel’s renowned library of characters that includes Spiderman, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four and X-Men. “We believe that adding Marvel to Disney’s unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation,” said Disney President and CEO Robert Iger. Marvel CEO Ike Perlmutter will continue overseeing the Marvel properties and work with Disney’s global lines of business. Mark R. Madler
