Disney, Alibaba Strike Deal for Online Content

A new agreement between Alibaba Digital Media and Buena Vista International, The Walt Disney Co.'s distributor, is expected to give Alibaba and Youku “a leading edge in foreign content distribution in China,” Youku President Yang Weidong said. Photo: VCG

Alibaba’s entertainment unit has struck a deal to broadcast more than 1,000 Disney movies and cartoon episodes in China.

The deal follows more than a year of negotiations. Previous regulatory intervention had abruptly ended the American media giant’s initial effort to deliver content to internet users in China.

Under the agreement between Alibaba Digital Media and Entertainment Group and The Walt Disney Co.’s distributor, Buena Vista International, subscribers to Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.’s Youku online video streaming service will have access to animated series in addition to movies such as “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Frozen,” Alibaba said Sunday. The agreement’s financial details were not announced.

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