Hollywood Studios and Consumer Giants Make Major Moves

Strategic Insights -

As the media and consumer goods industries continue to evolve, three major stories have emerged in the past few days. Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney Co. are engaging in talks with cable TV systems to offer films for as much as $30 per showing soon after they run in theaters. Meanwhile, Procter & Gamble has announced ambitious long-term targets for cutting waste and improving energy efficiency, including having 30% of its power from renewable sources by 2020. Additionally, Research in Motion has unveiled its new tablet, the PlayBook, which will have a 7-inch screen and two cameras, and Ben & Jerry's has dropped "all natural" from its labels after a request from a health advocacy group.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sony Pictures, Warner Bros., and Walt Disney Co. are in talks with In Demand, a partnership of Cox Communications, Comcast, and Time Warner Cable, to offer films for as much as $30 per showing soon after they run in theaters. (Source: In Demand)
  • Procter & Gamble aims to have 30% of its power from renewable sources by 2020, with new plants now being built around the globe using more solar, wind, and water power. (Source: Procter & Gamble)
  • Research in Motion is set to launch its new tablet, the PlayBook, with a 7-inch screen and two cameras, in early 2011 with an international rollout later in the year. (Source: Research in Motion)
  • Ben & Jerry's has dropped "all natural" from all labels after a request from the Center for Science in the Public Interest and will not change its recipes. (Source: Ben & Jerry's and the Center for Science in the Public Interest)
  • Ford may reduce its product lineup to as few as 20 models, down from 97 models, in a bid for efficiency. (Source: Ford CEO Alan Mulally)
  • Wal-Mart Stores plans to pay $4.2 billion for Massmart Holdings, expanding its presence in Africa. (Source: Wal-Mart Stores)
  • Unilever is acquiring Alberto Culver Co. for $3.7 billion, adding beauty products such as TRESemme and Noxzema to its portfolio. (Source: Unilever)

Statistics:

  • Procter & Gamble aims to have 30% of its power from renewable sources by 2020. (Source: Procter & Gamble)
  • The number of models in Ford's product lineup may be reduced to as few as 20, down from 97 models. (Source: Ford CEO Alan Mulally)
  • Wal-Mart Stores plans to pay $4.2 billion for Massmart Holdings. (Source: Wal-Mart Stores)
  • Unilever is acquiring Alberto Culver Co. for $3.7 billion. (Source: Unilever)
  • The PlayBook will have a 7-inch screen, half the size of Apple's iPad. (Source: Research in Motion)

Sources:

  • In Demand: Bob Benya, chief executive of In Demand
  • Procter & Gamble: Procter & Gamble officials
  • Research in Motion: Research in Motion press release
  • Ben & Jerry's: Ben & Jerry's press release and Center for Science in the Public Interest
  • Ford: Ford CEO Alan Mulally
  • Wal-Mart Stores: Wal-Mart Stores press release
  • Unilever: Unilever press release
  • Center for Science in the Public Interest: Center for Science in the Public Interest letter to Ben & Jerry's