Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) and Paramount Home Entertainment International (PHEI) announced a union for Russian distribution.

Eddie Cunningham, President, UPIE and Dennis Maguire, President, PHEI say that from 2 October 2007, Universal Pictures Russia will handle Paramount's DVD for marketing and distribution throughout the country.

Product includes titles from MTV Films, Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Vantage and Nickelodeon Movies.

'We are very committed to the market in Russia and recognise big growth opportunities in the region,' says Cunningham. 'We are delighted to partner with Paramount in Russia to market and distribute their fantastic slate of films, in what is becoming one of the fastest-growing emerging markets for home entertainment'.

Maguire adds, 'The Russian economy is strengthening and the filmed entertainment business is beginning to accelerate. We will be perfectly positioned to take advantage of growth opportunities with our Universal partnership and their first class distribution operation.'

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