Besides the more than 20 merchandise partners signed for the upcoming movie Despicable Me, Universal Partnerships & Licensing has recently appointed a number of corporate sponsors.

The latest partnerships for Despicable Me include IHOP for themed menu items, Best Buy (TBA), American Express for themed travel packages, Kodak for co-branded advertisements and photo opportunities with costumed characters from the film, AirHeads for two movie-themed flavors and Color Me Mine for film-inspired ceramic designs and merchandise giveaways.

International partners include Bimbo/Barcel (Mexico), BrandFusion (Canada), Maple Lodge Farms (Canada), GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (Italy, Greece, Malta and Cyprus), Hungry Jack's/Playcorp (Australia), Church's Chicken (Puerto Rico), Hesburgers/Carrols Resturants (Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), PCO Group (Europe), Business Russia Group (Russia) and PPPK Co. (Thailand).

Previously announced merchandise partners include D3Publisher (video games), Namco Networks (iPhone, iPod touch and iPad applications), Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (books), Hallmark (ornaments and greeting cards), Ceaco (puzzles), Hybrid (T-shirts for boys, girls, juniors and young men), DecoPac (bakery goods), Toy Factory (amusement plush), Aquarius Entertainment (posters, calendars and playing cards), Rubie's Costume Company (costumes and costumes accessories), Ceramic Source (bisque product) and SmileMakers (stickers).

Despicable Me from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment hits theaters on July 9.