Universal And Paramount Renew Home Entertainment Distribution Deal In New Zealand

Auckland, 19th September 2011 – Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) and Paramount Home Entertainment International (PHEI) today announced the renewal of their home entertainment distribution agreement in New Zealand. The announcement was made by Michael Coley, Country Manager, UPIE, New Zealand and Olivier Tena, EVP, Latin America, Asia Pacific & International Licensees, Paramount Home Entertainment International.

Universal has been distributing Paramount DVD and Blu-ray product in New Zealand since October 2009. Since then, successful Paramount releases have included Transformers 2, Star Trek, Watchmen, Monsters vs. Aliens and G.I. Joe. As part of the renewed deal, highly-anticipated upcoming titles scheduled for release include Thor, Captain America: The First Avenger, Super 8, Kung Fu Panda 2, Cowboys & Aliens and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.

Paramount’s renewal is a testament to the expertise of Universal’s local team that continues to deliver major successes such as the record-breaking local NZ hit, Boy. Paramount’s market share has increased over the last two years with successes like The King's Speech (the second highest home entertainment new release in NZ in 2011, next to Harry Potter) and Iron Man 2 throughout the period. The amazing breadth of content allows Universal to provide customers with excellent service and to offer consumers a wide variety of choice.

Michael Coley commented, “We are proud of our work with Paramount’s slate over the past two years, and their renewal is a testament to our success. With the addition of Paramount’s fantastic content to our portfolio, we are able to offer our customers incredible choice and build new, innovative business opportunities in the market.”

“We have been extremely pleased with Universal’s work in New Zealand on our behalf and are delighted to be extending our agreement,” said Olivier Tena. “The team’s strength has been proven over the last two years and we feel confident putting our upcoming slate in their very capable hands.”

About Universal Pictures International Entertainment

UPIE is part Universal Pictures, a division of NBCUniversal - one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. Comcast Corporation owns a controlling 51% interest in NBCUniversal, with GE holding a 49% stake.

About Paramount Home Entertainment International

Paramount Home Entertainment International (PHEI) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. PHEI is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment products on behalf of various parties including: Paramount Pictures, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, Paramount Famous Productions, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, CBS and PBS and for providing home entertainment fulfillment services for DreamWorks Animation Home Entertainment.

ENDS

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