Amazon Europe to invest in LOVEFiLM

LUXEMBOURG Amazon.com and LOVEFiLM International, a DVD online rental subscription service in the United Kingdon, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Germany, have entered into an agreement under which LOVEFiLM will acquire Amazon Europe's DVD rental business in the United Kingdom and Germany.

As part of the agreement, Amazon Europe will also become the largest shareholder in LOVEFiLM International through a cash investment.

The companies reported that once the deal is complete, the LOVEFiLM subscriber base will total over 900,000 customers predominantly in the United Kingdom and Germany, but also in the Nordics (Sweden, Norway, and Denmark).

"As one of Europe's largest online DVD rental businesses, LOVEFiLM is well established to serve customers' increasing demand for entertainment," said Greg Greeley, Amazon's vp of European retail. "Our investment will enable LOVEFiLM to grow the business further and we are excited to be part of their future."

Amazon Europe will continue to operate the DVD rental business on behalf of LOVEFiLM for a period of time following the close of the transaction to ensure an efficient transition and smooth customer experience. No staff reductions are planned at Amazon's German or United Kingdom operations as a result of the business transfer.