The document discusses the history and operations of The Walt Disney Company and Marvel Entertainment. Disney was founded in 1923 and is currently the second largest media company in the world. It operates five main business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products, and interactive media. Marvel was originally a publishing company founded in 1939 called Timely Comics and became known for superhero titles created in the 1960s. In 2009, Disney acquired Marvel Entertainment for $4.24 billion, gaining ownership of Marvel Studios known for the highly successful Marvel Cinematic Universe films.