Assignment Brief:

Based on the case study “Disney and 21st Century Fox: Reshaping Disney’s Strategy for the Digital Age.”, and the other referenced links in the Instead case study, you are required to critically read, review, assess, analyze whether Disney’s proposed acquisition of 21st Century Fox is a horizontal merger (since 21st Century Fox is one of Disney’s direct competitors) or an opportunity for vertical integration into distribution.
Discuss how that matters in a global context.
Finally, consider and re-evaluate what the best option might for Disney’s future growth from 2025 onwards. Which new forces might disrupt further?

You need to demonstrate your thought process through a clear structure in your writing and I would expect to see good use of competitive, market dynamic and supply chain models to support your view.

You need to convince the assessor you have considered how the information chains have changed over time, what impact this had on the digital information economics, and how this has formed your point of view. Consider future technology and cost changes and market dynamics when selecting where Disney needs to invest in the future.

Additional reading can be found in “Disney’s Purchase of Fox’s Entertainment Assets is a Gamble on Media’s Future – The Mouse Gets the Fox.” The Economist, 14th December 2017. And also, “The Force is Strong in this Firm. “The Economist, 19th December 2015.