New NBC Universal group unites licensing efforts

PHYSICAL: Sperber-led unit to head theatrical, DVD, theme park promotions

By Danny King -- Video Business, 5/28/2009

MAY 28 | PHYSICAL: NBC Universal has formed a division that will combine the studio's corporate marketing efforts related to its films and DVDs with its consumer product division, in an effort to improve the General Electric unit's financial performance.

The new group, called Universal Partnerships and Licensing, combines the studio's Consumer Products Group with Universal Studios Partnerships, a unit formed five years ago to coordinate film, DVD and corporate marketing efforts, NBC Universal said in a statement yesterday.

The change does not affect the studio's home entertainment marketing execs, according to a spokeswoman.

By forming the new group, NBC Universal is looking to improve its financial performance by streamlining its licensing and promotional efforts. General Electric said last month that first-quarter operating profit from its NBC Universal unit plunged 45% as fewer DVD releases and lower advertising rates offset growth in its cable networks.

Stephanie Sperber, who formed Universal Studios Partnerships in 2004 and has led corporate partnerships with companies such as Coca-Cola and Xerox, will run the new division.