The Save Disney website reports that, “The Walt Disney Company, Roy E. Disney and Stanley P. Gold announced today that they have agreed to put aside the differences that have characterized their relationship over the past several years.” It appears that there is a little give-and-take on each side and the new arrangements arrived at should satisfy most Disney fans. Further commentary at o-meon, Jim Hill Media, Motley Fool and Yahoo! Finance. The full, jointly-issued official statement can be read here:
JOINT STATEMENT FROM THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY AND ROY E. DISNEY AND STANLEY P. GOLD
BURBANK, Calif. (July 8, 2005) — The Walt Disney Company, Roy E. Disney and Stanley P. Gold announced today that they have agreed to put aside the differences that have characterized their relationship over the past several years. Messrs. Disney and Gold have agreed not to run a rival slate of directors or submit shareholder resolutions for the next five years. Messrs. Disney and Gold have also agreed to dismiss all their pending lawsuits against the Company. In reestablishing ties with him and his family, the Company has named Roy E. Disney Director Emeritus and a consultant. The Company also reaffirmed its commitment to the rotation of committee members and chairpersons on its Board committees as currently required by the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. In putting aside their differences, the Company noted Mr. Disney’s long time devotion to the Company and welcomed the reestablishment of a relationship with him and his family. Messrs. Disney and Gold expressed confidence in Mr. Iger’s leadership, and as Mr. Eisner retires after 21 years with the Company, they acknowledged his contribution to the Company over the years.
Source: The Walt Disney Company.