NEW YORK -- March 10, 2003 -- Spider-Man(TM), The X-Men(TM) and Daredevil(TM) will lead a worldwide charge for Marvel Enterprises, Inc. as the Company announces major international licensing agreements with Universal Studios Japan and Pepsi-Cola International.
Part of a corporate initiative to further enhance the global reach of the Marvel brand and its more than 4,700 characters, these new agreements will put the Marvel Universe in front of millions of consumers worldwide.
The Pepsi-Cola International promotion will introduce hundreds of thousands of Marvel-themed soft drink packages throughout Europe, Asia and other territories while the Universal Studios Japan deal will put Marvel at the center of Japan's most popular entertainment destination -- the Osaka theme park.
"Our super hero brands resonate with people across the globe, making them desirable properties for international licensees, an area of licensing which we have only just begun to pursue," said Bill Jemas, COO Marvel Enterprises, Inc. "Marvel is now turning its attention to opportunities in the vast international market where we can grow the exposure of our characters and brands through license agreements with high profile partners. Both the Pepsi-Cola International and Universal Studios Japan programs will leverage our existing brand recognition while helping to further establish Marvel as one of the preeminent owners of entertainment intellectual properties in the world."
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
Universal Studios has licensed the Spider-Man character to create a theme-park attraction similar to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man featured at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando. This 3-D motion simulator ride currently ranks as the number one attraction at the Orlando-based park and among the most popular theme park attractions anywhere on the planet.
The Universal Studios Japan Spider-Man attraction builds upon the excitement generated by Sony Columbia Pictures/Marvel Studios' Spider-Man movie that asserted itself as the top-grossing picture of 2002 and one of the biggest box office successes of all-time.
PEPSI-COLA INTERNATIONAL
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. and Pepsi-Cola International have joined forces for a superheroic promotion featuring some of Marvel's most popular characters including The X-Men, Daredevil, and Silver Surfer(TM).
As part of the campaign, Pepsi Cola International will design one-of-a-kind packaging utilizing a vast array of Marvel icons for its top-selling Mirinda beverage brand and its other popular flavored carbonated drink lines.
The promotion is scheduled to debut in several international territories including this spring and will be supported by eye-striking, in-store displays and market-by-market television, radio, and Internet advertising.
About Marvel Enterprises, Inc.
Marvel Enterprises, Inc. is a leading global character-based entertainment company that has developed and owns a library of more than 4,700 characters which have entertained generations around the world for over 60 years. Marvel's operations are focused in entertainment and consumer product licensing and comic book publishing.
Marvel Studios supports the development of feature films, DVD/video products and TV series. Marvel's creative team also supports the creation of video games and toy lines based on its characters as well as for a broad and growing range of consumer products and services including apparel, collectibles, foods and promotions.
Marvel's comic book division is a leading publisher in the global marketplace while also serving as an invaluable source of intellectual property. Marvel's Toy Biz division is a recognized creative force and leader in toy design, sales and marketing, developing and overseeing both licensee and in-house toy lines. For additional information visit http://www.marvel.com.