Disney’s purchase of Pixar is deja vu all over again

Lots of folks are weighing in on the prospects for Disney following the purchase of Pixar.

I think the deal could be hugely successful for several reasons, most of them have been discussed ad infinitum by many analysts and bloggers, so I won’t repeat them here.

One point that hasn’t been made is that Steve Jobs has done this before. In December 1996, Apple announced it was acquiring Next. Back then, Jobs was the CEO of Next, the company being acquired. Within a very short time, he seized control of Apple, and the Next leadership team reinvigorated and rebuilt Apple. Everyone knows that under Steve Job’s leadership Apple has redefined the music business and devstated the competition.

Pixar of course is in much better shape now than Next was back then, which only improves the odds of success. And I don’t expect Jobs to try to seize control of Disney. But have no doubt, Steve Jobs will have a huge influence on Disney.

Remember, he’s done this before, and Jobs seems to get better and better with age. The next several years should be quite exciting.