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Disney desires to work with JHC again

Courtesy of Express Newspaper (UK)
July 26, 1999

Walt Disney Chairman Michael Eisner once tried to buy Kermit and Miss Piggy and now he might try again to merge the Muppets with the Lion King and Mickey Mouse, writes Graeme Beaton from Washington. Family owned Jim Henson co, praised for its work in Britain on the Muppets, is exploring options to continue surviving in the cut throat entertainment buisness dominated by Giants Disney, Sony, Time Warner and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

Co President Brian Henson, 35, son of founder Jim Henson who died unexpectdly nearly a decade ago, said possibilities could include "strategic partnerships". Henson's efforts to stay independent may have been scuttled by last weeks flop of the movie Muppets In Space and a disappointing response to Muppets Tonight, the recent TV series. Eisner, who could probably buy the company for the £364 million he took home in pay and share options last year, said he had "always been interested in expanding our relationship" He said buying Henson "wouldn't be the last thing I'd think about". The previous deal collapsed after Jim Henson's death in May 1990.

Editor's Note: This article may just be a rumor but it appeared to be somewhat official. Included with this article was a photo of Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Clifford. Either way, just the thought of another Disney partnership is sure to get opinions going from all sides, especially in light of the first deal. Thanks Michael Dixon for reporting this news to Muppet Central.