Although Bob Iger stepped down from being CEO of The Walt Disney Company, he doesn’t exactly seem to be taking a break from work. We’ve already seen that Iger has gotten involved with the metaverse as a member of Genies’ Board of Directors (no, not the Disney Genie). And now he’s stepping into another major role with a large corporation.
Bob Iger ©New York Post
This corporation seems to be less high-tech, but Iger’s partners in the venture have reported that they expect it to be very profitable. Read on to learn more about Iger’s latest business deal.
CNBC reported that Bob Iger, sports agent Rich Paul, the Chernin Group, and eBay have teamed up to buy a 25% stake in Funko.
I’m a big fan of @OriginalFunko and I’m excited to join the team! https://t.co/gvAp4BRyuK
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) May 5, 2022
Shang-Chi Funko Pop! Figures
In case you’re not already familiar with the others in this deal, the Chernin Group produces shows and movies through Chernin Entertainment (including titles like New Girl and The Greatest Showman), and Rich Paul is the founder of Klutch Sports Group and represents LeBron James.
50th Anniversary Castle Funko Pop!
Each share of Funko cost $21, which added up to $263 million total for the 25% stake. As part of the deal, Chernin Group CEO Peter Chernin and Bob Iger will become advisors to Funko’s Board of Directors.
Bob Iger
This may seem like a surprising investment, as Iger’s previous business deal was focused on higher-tech innovations like the metaverse. But Chernin said in a statement this week that the group believes “Funko is significantly undervalued in the public markets” and the deal will provide “a runway of opportunity and growth potential.”
Fennec Shand Funko POP
Stefanie Jay, an executive at eBay, said, “Funko sits at the intersection of pop culture, passion and collectibles, with one of the most engaged communities of enthusiasts” (CNBC). eBay will be made the “preferred secondary market for Funko products” as part of the deal.
Mirabel Funko Pop!
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Awesome! Our family loves Funko! I hope that Bob Iger helps them to be even better!
I wish Disney would bring him back and get rid of Chapek. Iger could save and salvage the disaster Chapek has created. Iger may have not been the best Disney CEO, but Chapek is definitely the worst. Chapek has mange to piss off loyal long time guest and the State of Florida. Be it Liberals or Conservatives guest/fans and/or politicians, he has alienated and made enemies of them all. Who picked this clown anyway? He obviously is in way over his head and doing a terrible job. “Bring Back Iger”
Come back, Bob! Disney needs you desperately!
While most things at Disney seem like a good investment. The last store I went in had these stacked to the ceiling collecting dust… Funko Bobblehead toys have become a overproduced environmental hazard with zero resale value.