Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday that it would rename Jetix television channels acquired in five Central and Eastern European countries as the Disney Channel, expanding that format? programming to 12 million households.

The Burbank entertainment giant last year began adding its shows, including the ?annah Montana?series, to the Jetix schedule. The name change will take place in Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Bulgaria later this year, with Jetix channels in other European markets unchanged for now. The new Disney Channels will be localized, with programs dubbed in the counties?native languages.

?he performance of Disney Channel in Poland and the huge impact of the channel’s content on Jetix have proven the demand for its kid-driven, family inclusive programming,?Giorgio Stock, executive vice president and general manager, Disney Channels EMEA, said in a statement. ?e look forward to leveraging this demand, the power of the Disney brand and synergies with other Disney businesses to become the undisputed leader in the kids’ TV market.”

Disney acquired its initial Jetix stake in 2001 when it bought Fox Family Worldwide from News Corp., and in February acquired the 27 percent it didn? own.

Disney shares closed up 84 cents, or 3.5 percent, to $24.54 on the New York Stock Exchange.