Money Digest - January 19, 2005

Marvel masses books

Comic book giant Marvel Enterprises on Tuesday unveiled licensing deals with four book publishers as it continues to expand its licensing revenue stream. The agreements with News Corp.'s HarperCollins, Viacom Inc. operation Simon & Schuster's Pocket Books, Meredith Books and DK Publishing cover various mass-market book formats. HarperCollins will create tie-in books for upcoming Marvel features, including "The Fantastic Four," "X-Men 3" and "Spider-Man 3," with children 5-12 being the target group.



XM lands Effanel

XM Satellite Radio Holdings said Tuesday that it has acquired privately held Effanel Music, a provider of live broadcasts and recordings. The firms, which last year cooperated on live broadcasts of events like the Vote for Change Finale Concert, didn't disclose financial details. Effanel has broadcast such events as the Grammys and the MTV Video Music Awards.



Imax in Kuwait

TORONTO — Building on its presence in the Middle East, giant-screen exhibitor Imax Corp. said Tuesday that it has won a deal to open two theater systems in Kuwait City through exhibitor Kuwait National Cinema Co. The first Imax theater will be a retrofit of an existing stadium-seating screen and is set to open late this year. The second is slated to open by 2007.



Comcast speeds up

Cable giant Comcast Corp. said Tuesday that it will boost the speed of its broadband Internet service at no additional cost to customers as it prepares to expand its online services this year. The speed upgrades will be finished by the end of March. Comcast's Web plans this year include the use of video in new and existing applications, an expansion of its online music channel and enhancements to its sports, kids and gaming offerings.