Maker Studios, a top-rated YouTube multichannel network, is reportedly in talks with Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) to be acquired in a deal potentially valued between $500 million and $900 million. It would be the largest investment to date in a YouTube-based property by a traditional content provider.
While several media companies have made significant investments in YouTube networks--Time Warner (NYSE: TWX) led a $36 million fundraising round in Maker Studios last year--Disney's potential acquisition would mark an "unprecedented incursion" onto YouTube by a major studio, according to Variety's Todd Spangler.
Maker Studios reportedly has 5.5 billion monthly views and 380 million subscribers. It owns or manages some 50,000 YouTube channels. The company raised $70 million last year, and according to a Financial Times report is valued at around $300 million.
For more:
- Variety has this report
- re/code has this story
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