Disney Expands into Pet Market

  Reuters reports that Walt Disney Co. plans to expand its range of pet products globally, producing collars, clothing and bedding for pets by licensing its valuable portfolio of characters.

  Current lines include a Pirates of the Caribbean aquarium and an Old Yeller private label dog food. Details on the expansion plans were not provided.

  Licensing arrangements generate about 70% margins for Disney, and consumers worldwide bought $21 billion of products branded by Disney last year ("Disney barking up a new tree with pet products," by Jeffrey Goldfarb, Reuters, June 7, 2006).