MUMBAI: In an interesting turn of events, Walt Disney Co. president and chief operating officer Robert Iger said that it was unlikely that Disney would strike a new distribution deal with Pixar Animation Studios according to international agency reports.

Pixar had begun talks with Disney on extending their partnership but apparently the two couldn't agree on new terms that would be more favourable to Pixar.

Pixar has reportedly met with other studios and says it has plenty of time to strike a new deal. Disney has distributed such Pixar films such as Toy Story, Monsters Inc and last year's big hit, Finding Nemo.

Animosity between Disney CEO Michael Eisner and Pixar chief Steve Jobs has been said to have been the catalyst in Pixar's decision in January to abruptly decide on breaking off the contract renewal negotiations with Disney.

Interestingly, earlier in the year Eisner has publicly expressed hope in recent months that the two could continue their relationship beyond the current contract, which expires at the end of next year.