Stan Lee endorses Disney merger

Former Marvel president Stan Lee has endorsed the firm's merger with The Walt Disney Company, according to reports.

It was previously announced that Disney has tabled a $4bn (£2.4bn) offer for the comic book company, with red tape currently holding up its completion. According to the Spider-Man co-creator, the deal will benefit both parties, as well as his own POW! Entertainment.

"I couldn't be happier with this agreement. It's a great move for Disney, for Marvel and for my company POW! Entertainment since POW! has a first-look deal with Disney. From every possible point of view, the merger of Disney and Marvel is a match made in heaven," he said.

"Just imagine, with this deal Marvel gives Disney a library of literally hundreds of unique and colourful characters that have the potential to make great, high-concept movies and long-lasting franchises - and nobody knows how to play in that ball park better than Disney," he continued.

"This is a great day for the two companies and for the entertainment community as a whole. To sum it up as simply as possible, when you combine the best with the best, everyone wins."

Stan Lee is currently collaborating with Disney on an upcoming digital comic book project titled Time Jumper.