TWDC UK has had a strong and enduring heritage for more than 75 years and employs more than 2,500. TWDC UK is a major film distributor with most recent successes including The Proposal’ and ‘Up’ - which was the UK and Ireland’s biggest animated film opening in 2009. The company is also one of the top distributors of programming in the region, working with local partners to bring network series, movies and branded kids and family content to TV viewers, via shows such as ‘Desperate Housewives’, ‘Lost’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Flash Forward’. The Disney Channel launched in the UK in 1995 and has since then maintained the number one position for children’s pay-TV channels in all UK and Ireland homes. More recently, in August 2009, Disney launched Disney XD, its 

first boy-focused, girl-inclusive channel. The London production of Disney’s ‘The Lion King' recently celebrated its tenth Anniversary at the Lyceum Theatre, where it has been seen by over eight million people at over 4,200 performances. ESPN, 80% owned by TWDC, established its pay-TV sports channel, ESPN, in the UK and Ireland in August 2009 and is a major investor in UK sports’ TV rights.