Universal Buys into Spielberg’s Amblin

Universal Filmed Entertainment has taken a minority stake in the film and television production company headed up by Steven Spielberg. Universal strengthens its relationship with Amblin Partners with its investment. The division of Universal Studios, in Universal City, had already been distributing films from Amblin domestically and in some international markets, starting with the fall release “The Girl on the Train.” Universal joins an international group of investors in Amblin Partners that includes Participant Media in Los Angeles; Reliance Entertainment in Mumbai, India; Entertainment One in Toronto, and Alibaba Pictures Group in China. The production company was formed in 2015 to produce films under the DreamWorks Pictures, Amblin and Participant banners, as well as content for Amblin Television. Spielberg is the chairman. NBCUniversal Chairman Ron Meyer said that the entertainment company was a big believer in Amblin’s proven ability to create quality films that appeal to global audiences. “Steven is a genius and has always been a part of our family, as well as an incredible partner to Universal,” Meyer said in a prepared statement. “We are thrilled to become strategic partners in the company that he, Michael (Wright, the chief executive) and Jeff (Small, the co-chief executive) are committed to growing.”