Paris and New York,
December 20, 2001 - Vivendi Universal [NYSE: V; Paris Bourse: EX FP] announced
today it has extended for five more years the contracts of Ron Meyer, President
and Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios, and Stacey Snider, Chairman,
Universal Pictures.
In making the announcement,
Jean-Marie Messier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vivendi Universal,
said, 'I am thrilled to recognize the extraordinary accomplishments of
these two outstanding leaders. As the head of Universal Studios Group's businesses,
Ron has brought the studio to new heights. With the recent creation of Vivendi
Universal Entertainment (VUE), Ron, under the leadership of Barry Diller,
will now expand his responsibilities to include all of the TV activities of
VUE. I have every confidence that he will continue creating long-term value
for the company.'
Mr. Messier added: 'Stacey's
unique balance of creative and management expertise has led Universal Pictures
to unprecedented success during the last three years, by consistently delivering
exceptional films to audiences around the world. We now have the distinct
privilege of ensuring management continuity at Universal Studios for years
to come.'
'Ron and Stacey's
renewed commitment comes at the time of the creation of VUE, with Barry Diller
joining as CEO, and stands to show the outstanding talented team that will
lead VUE to new growth and development,' Mr. Messier concluded.
The formation of Vivendi
Universal Entertainment (VUE) was announced on December 17, 2001. VUE brings
together Universal Studios Group and the USA Entertainment Group.
Universal Studios Group
encompasses the production and distribution of theatrical television and home
video entertainment through Universal Pictures; and the operation of theme
parks around the world through the Universal Studios Recreation Group.
USA Entertainment Group
is one of two groups comprising USA Networks, Inc. and includes USA Cable,
Studios USA and USA Films. USA Cable consists of the top-rated USA Network,
one of cable television's leading providers of original series and feature
movies, sports events, off-net television shows and blockbuster theatrical
films; SCI FI Channel, now a top-10 cable network in primetime, featuring
cinematic hits, new and original series, and special events, as well as classic
sci-fi, fantasy, and horror programming and an award-winning Web site, SCIFI.COM;
and Emerging Networks TRIO, Newsworld International (NWI) and Crime. The Group's
network development and production, as well as first-run production and distribution
division is Studios USA, responsible for some of the biggest dramas, action
and talk hits on television. Also in the Group is USA Films, a motion picture
production, marketing, and distribution company comprised of Gramercy Pictures,
October Films, USA Home Entertainment, and certain domestic PolyGram Filmed
Entertainment assets.
Vivendi Universal:
Media and Communications
and Environmental Services: The media and communications business is divided
into five business segments: Music, Publishing, TV and Film, Telecoms and
Internet. The Music business is conducted through Universal Music Group, the
world's leading music company, which develops, acquires, manufactures, markets
and distributes recorded music through wholly owned operations or licensees
in 63 countries around the world. Universal Music Group's other businesses
also include one of the world's largest music publishing companies, which
involves the acquisition of rights to, and licensing of, musical compositions.
The Publishing business is a worldwide content leader in its core markets:
education/literature, games, and healthcare information. It provides content
across multiple platforms. The TV and Film business produces and distributes
motion picture, television and home video/DVD products worldwide, operates
and has ownership interests in a number of cable and pay-TV channels, engages
in the licensing of merchandising and film property rights and operates theme
parks and retail stores around the world. The Telecoms business provides a
broad range of telecommunications services, including mobile and fixed telephony,
Internet access and data services and transmission, principally in Europe.
The Internet business manages the strategic Internet initiatives and new online
ventures for Vivendi Universal. Utilizing advanced digital distribution technology,
the Internet business develops e-commerce, e-services and thematic portals
that offer access to the Internet via a variety of devices, including mobile
phones, PDAs, interactive TV and computers. Vivendi Environnement is a 63-percent
owned subsidiary of Vivendi Universal, which operates the environmental services
business, with operations around the globe.
Media Contacts:
Vivendi Universal
Anita Larsen
212.572.1118
Mia Carbonell
212.572.7556
Universal Studios
Iris Gelt
818.777.9775
USA Networks, Inc.
Erica Wiertz
212.314.7372
