Siemens will sponsor attractions and implement new technologies
across a range of Disney businesses
Burbank, Calif., and New York, Dec. 1, 2005 - Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) and The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) announced today a 12-year strategic alliance - bringing together the world's leading family entertainment company with a premier global technology and infrastructure company. While Disney already uses a range of Siemens technologies, the agreement expands the relationship and paves the way for the two companies to broaden their technological collaboration across several platforms.
"Embracing new technology is a key strategic priority at Disney because it supports our commitment to creating an outstanding guest experience and drives growth for the entire Company," said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. "Our extended and strengthened relationship with Siemens is a perfect fit as we implement new forms of technology."
The agreement includes marketing and promotional rights, attraction sponsorships and a promotional presence that features Siemens products and services at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
"Disney and Siemens are two of the world's most recognized and respected brands, both known for their relentless commitment to innovation," said George Nolen, Siemens Corporation president and CEO. "We look forward to working with Disney to grow our relationship and realize the potential of two great innovators."
As part of the deal, Siemens will sponsor several rides and attractions at Walt Disney World Resort including the Epcot icon, "SpaceShip Earth," the nighttime Epcot fireworks show, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," as well as new attractions that will be incorporated into Innoventions both at Epcot and at Disneyland Resort. The Sylvania lighting division of Siemens will sponsor Disney-MGM Studio's holiday light show - "Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights," as well as "Disney's Electrical Parade" and "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams" at Disneyland Resort in California.
In addition, the companies will work together to develop and further apply new technologies across a range of platforms, as well as explore ways to integrate some of Siemens' technologies into Disney's current attractions and at its resorts. Siemens also will build on its existing relationship with Disney Media Network's and ESPN by sponsoring ABC's video board at Times Square in New York City.
"This new relationship creates an ideal opportunity to demonstrate Siemens' innovations to our customers while also strengthening the Siemens brand in a memorable and relevant way," added Nolen.
About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company is a diversified, international family entertainment and media company whose operations include theme parks and resorts, filmed entertainment including motion pictures and television shows, home video products, records, consumer products, a cruise line, radio and television stations, broadcast and cable networks, Internet offerings, publishing activities and professional sports enterprises. Disney owns also ABC Inc. Founded in 1923 by Walter E. Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney, The Walt Disney Company generated revenues of $30.7 billion in 2004. It employs more than 129,000 people worldwide.
About Siemens
Siemens AG (NYSE:SI) is one of the largest global electronics and engineering companies with reported worldwide sales of $91.5 billion in fiscal 2004. Founded more than 150 years ago, the company is a leader in the areas of Medical, Power, Automation and Control, Transportation, Information and Communications, Lighting, Building Technologies, Water Technologies and Services and Home Appliances. With its U.S. corporate headquarters in New York City, Siemens in the USA has sales of $16.6 billion and employs 70,000 people throughout all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Eleven of Siemens' worldwide businesses are based in the United States. With its global headquarters in Munich, Siemens AG and its subsidiaries employ 430,000 people in 192 countries. For more information on Siemens in the United States: www.usa.siemens.com.
Siemens Hearing Instruments, part of Siemens Medical Solutions, is one of the leading manufacturers of hearing aids in the United States. Headquartered in Piscataway, New Jersey, the Company offers a range of innovative products, solutions and services to Hearing Care Professionals across the United States. Among its innovative products, the Company designs and manufactures a variety of digital hearing aids in all styles to improve the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
Visit www.usa.siemens.com/hearing for more information.
