Disney’s $500 million buy of YouTube content network Maker Studios...

Disney’s $500 million buy of YouTube content network Maker Studios may help the acquirer grow online, said analysts Tuesday, a day after the deal was disclosed (http://bit.ly/1dsFGBs). Maker has more than 55,000 channels and 380 million subscribers on YouTube, with 5.5 billion views per month, Disney said, describing the company as “the top online video network for Millennials.” Disney CEO Robert Iger said in a statement: “Short-form online video is growing at an astonishing pace and with Maker Studios, Disney will now be at the center of this dynamic industry with an unmatched combination of advanced technology and programming expertise and capabilities.” Analysts said in notes to investors Tuesday the deal makes some sense. It shows Disney’s commitment to delivering content on new technologies and developing more short-form online video options, said Wells Fargo’s Marci Ryvicker. “Maker Studios will have access to Disney’s valuable intellectual property,” and that lets Disney expand its “Internet presence and capitalize its IP across multiple entertainment platforms,” said Moody’s.