Marvel Entertainment's success rests on the strength (and marketability) of its characters. The firm lends its more than 5,000 characters (which include Daredevil, Spider-Man, X-Men) to toy development, publishing, licensing, and film production activities. Through Marvel Publishing, the company is one of the world's leading comic book publishers. Licensing operations include character use in movies (Sony Picture's wildly successful Spider-Man series), TV shows, clothing, video games, and other consumer products. Toys include action figures and games through a deal with Hasbro. CEO Isaac Perlmutter owns about 40% of the firm. The company changed its name from Marvel Enterprises to Marvel Entertainment in 2005.
Sector: Services
Industry: Media