NBCUniversal, China’s Alibaba Ink Multi-Year Movie Deal

“Fast & Furious 7,” “Jurassic World” and “Minions” are among the titles included in the agreement

NBCUniversal International has signed a multi-year licensing deal with China’s Alibaba Group, the companies announced Wednesday.

The multi-year licensing agreement encompasses titles from Universal Pictures’ new release and library slate, available on Alibaba’s TMall Box Office service starting this month.

Included in the Alibaba deal are blockbusters “Fast & Furious 7” and “Jurassic World” which were also box office hits in China, as well as “Minions,” set for a 3D release in China on September 13.

Universal Pictures has enjoyed a record-breaking year around the globe, achieving the highest grossing box office in a year for any studio, both in the US and Internationally.

The agreement forms part of NBCUniversal’s ongoing plans to expand its businesses outside of the US, particularly in key consumer growth markets such as China, where SVOD is forecast to grow rapidly in the next few years.

“We are excited to partner with such a respected and prestigious company as Alibaba in this agreement,” NBCUniversal International chairman Kevin MacLellan said in a statement.

“This partnership will continue to increase our reach in the market, as well as driving additional revenues for us in Asia,” he continued. NBCUniversal is committed to licensing high quality programming to Chinese platforms in order to provide great entertainment experiences to the Chinese audience.”

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