UTV exclusive distribution partner for Disney theatrical releases

The Walt Disney Company India and UTV Software Communications Limited have  announced that beginning from 1 January, 2009, UTV will be handling sales and distribution of all of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures' Hollywood releases in India.

Disney will continue to handle its own marketing.

The announcement was made by Mahesh Samat, senior vice president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company India, Anthony Marcoly, president, sales and distribution, Walt Disney Motion Pictures International, and Siddharth Roy Kapur, CEO, UTV Motion Pictures.

Commenting on the announcement, Samat said, "Disney is thrilled to have UTV as distribution partners for our films in India. UTV's leadership in India's rapidly growing film production and distribution space will strengthen our initiatives to build a family entertainment brand in the country by increasing the reach of our Hollywood films here."

Siddharth Roy Kapur said, "It is very exciting for UTV to be the exclusive distribution partner for Disney releases in India. The combined offering of UTV and Disney content will offer Indian exhibitors and viewers a tremendously diverse range of movies across languages and genres. This further strengthens our synergies with Disney and we look forward to more such collaborations in the future."

Marcoly said, "UTV has always been true pioneers in the Indian film industry. The passion and experience they posses as a leading film company in India, teamed with the diverse slate of films Disney promises to deliver, will form an exciting combo for India's exhibitors and a treat for all moviegoers. We can't think of a better company to partner with."

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures International is the international theatrical distribution arm of The Walt Disney Studios. It is headquartered in Burbank, California with 27 offices worldwide.

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with four business segments: consumer products, media networks, parks and resorts and studio entertainment. Disney is a Dow 30 company, had annual revenues of nearly $34 billion in its most recent fiscal year, and a market capitalization of approximately $73.8 billion as of May 11, 2007.