Disney, Google to invest in China's largest bus digital media

A consortium from the United States led by Disney is planning to invest in Bus-Online Co., Ltd., hoping to build a new platform for Disney's publicity in China. In addition to Disney, Google is also an investor in the consortium, Oriental Morning Post reported February 9, 2010.

It is understood that the consortium plans to pay more than 100 million U.S. dollars to purchase a 30-40 percent stake of Bus-Online. With this acquisition, Disney will gain a new marketing platform. According to sources, Google is also participating in the consortium as small investor. The consortium will purchase existing shares and new shares issued by Bus-Online to complete the investment.

Bus-Online was established in March 2003, and is currently China's largest bus digital media and advertising company. It owns China's largest mobile television network, covering 32 major cities with more than 60,000 bus mobile TV terminals.

Sources stressed that the consortium has not yet reached any agreement with Bus-Online, while Disney executives will go to Beijing to communicate with Chinese regulators on the relevant plan.

By People's Daily Online