American Express and Universal Studios Expand Partnership Through New Exclusive Agreement

Multi-Year Agreement Features American Express® Card Member Acquisition at Universal’s Parks & Resorts, Global Marketing Opportunities and Enhanced American Express Card Member Benefits through Universal’s Entertainment and Theme Parks Platforms

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. & NEW YORK--()--Universal Studios and American Express today announced an expanded multi-year agreement that brings the strength of Universal’s theme parks and filmed entertainment together with the premier brand of American Express to create exclusive consumer benefits and experiences. The agreement also enables American Express, for the first time, to acquire new Card Members directly through Universal theme parks and websites.

While American Express and Universal have worked together since 2008, this expanded partnership presents new and innovative marketing opportunities for both companies. The partnership will now include marketing opportunities that leverage Universal Pictures’ retail partners, consumer licensing and digital media platforms on a global basis. American Express now has the first opportunity among payment services providers to participate in product placement and co-promotion on Universal Pictures’ films. Universal and American Express will also work together to offer Universal’s assets, including special holiday and seasonal theme park events, film premieres and VIP screenings of select Universal films, to eligible American Express Card Members and prospects worldwide. The partnership will continue to set the stage for ongoing offers and promotions for anyone holding an American Express Card, ranging from discounts at the theme parks to special once-in-a-lifetime entertainment experiences.

“With this partnership we are maximizing the assets of two iconic brands: American Express, one of the world’s premier payment companies, and Universal Studios, a leading media and destination-based entertainment company,” said Stephanie Sperber, President, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. “The continuation of this alliance provides Universal with an endless range of potential marketing opportunities, of which the consumer is the ultimate beneficiary.”

“The expanded partnership is about membership, providing special access along with exciting on-site and online offers for our Card Members. It also presents a unique opportunity in the marketplace for both our brands,” said Suzan Kereere, Senior Vice President, Merchant Services Americas, American Express. “This is a great example of how a strategic merchant relationship can deliver exceptional benefits and experiences for our joint customers.”

The agreement will offer a wide range of exclusive benefits for Card Members, including:

  • Select discounts on in-park merchandise, food and beverage purchases made with their American Express Card;
  • Access to exclusive American Express VIP lounges with the purchase of a Multi-Park ticket or Annual Pass at Universal Orlando Resort and with the purchase of a VIP Experience or Front-of-the-Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood; lounges provide guests with a relaxing environment to plan the rest of their day, as well as enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks;
  • Exclusive experiences including tickets to Universal Pictures’ film premieres, private VIP preview screenings of select Universal films and dedicated viewing areas for some park special events;
  • Rich incentives & offers for approved new applicants applying for an American Express Card at Universal theme parks and on their websites.

American Express Card Members can visit Universal’s theme park websites or guest services in the parks to learn more about current park offers.

Universal Parks & Resorts

Universal Parks & Resorts (UPR), a unit of Comcast Corporation’s NBCUniversal, encompasses today’s most relevant and popular entertainment experiences, creating emotional connections with guests around the world. Each year, millions of guests visit UPR theme parks to experience thrilling, world-famous attractions that use ground-breaking technology that cannot be found anywhere else. Universal Studios is a globally respected and internationally renowned theme park brand. With three-time Academy Award® winner, Steven Spielberg as creative consultant, its theme parks are known for some of most thrilling and technologically advanced “ride-the-movies,” motion picture and television show-based attractions.

NBCUniversal wholly owns Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes Universal CityWalk Hollywood, featuring over 65 retail, dining and entertainment venues. It also owns Universal Orlando Resort, a world-class destination resort featuring two parks (Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure), three premier resort hotels, and Universal CityWalk Orlando, a 30-acre dining, shopping and entertainment complex. NBCUniversal also has license agreements with Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japan; Port Aventura near Barcelona, Spain; and Universal Studios Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore. In addition, UPR has announced a prospective Universal Studios theme park resort near Seoul, South Korea.

Learn more about Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood at https://www.universalorlando.com and http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com. Connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/UniversalOrlandoResort or https://www.facebook.com/UniversalStudiosHollywood.

Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is 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 networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpresslinkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel and corporate card.

Contacts

Media:
Universal Parks & Resorts
Tom Schroder, 407-363-8220
VP, Corporate Communications
http://media.universalorlando.com
or
Universal Pictures
Evan Langweiler, 818-777-9709
Director, Global Communications
or
American Express
William Tsang, 212-640-0933
Manager, Public Affairs & Communications
william.tsang@aexp.com

Contacts

Media:
Universal Parks & Resorts
Tom Schroder, 407-363-8220
VP, Corporate Communications
http://media.universalorlando.com
or
Universal Pictures
Evan Langweiler, 818-777-9709
Director, Global Communications
or
American Express
William Tsang, 212-640-0933
Manager, Public Affairs & Communications
william.tsang@aexp.com