Universal Takes Minority Stake in Amblin

The move further emphasizes the multi-year pact the groups signed in late 2015.

Universal Filmed Entertainment has taken a minority stake in Amblin Partners, strengthening the two companies’ relationship.

Universal will now join Amblin’s group of strategic investors including Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment, Entertainment One and Alibaba Pictures. And with the pact, Universal chairman Jeff Shell will join Amblin’s board.

“We are big believers in Amblin Partners and its proven ability to create the kind of quality films that appeal to broad, global audiences,” says Ron Meyer, vice chairman, NBCUniversal; and Shell and Donna Langley, chairman, Universal Pictures, in a joint statement. “Steven [Spielberg] is a genius and has always been part of our family, as well as an incredible partner to Universal. We are thrilled to become strategic investors in the company.”
Additionally, the companies first partnered in December 2015 for Universal to market and distribute Amblin’s films domestically as well as in select international territories.

“We couldn’t be happier that Universal has shown confidence in Amblin Partners by making this investment,” says Michael Wright, chief executive officer, Amblin, and Jeff Small, president and co-chief executive officer, Amblin. “As the gold standard in our industry, Universal fits perfectly with our other esteemed partners, Participant Media, Reliance Entertainment, eOne and Alibaba Pictures, and we can’t wait to welcome Jeff Shell to our board.”