Blockbuster Expands Presence in Central America

Blockbuster Inc. has announced that it has further expanded its presence in Central America by opening franchised stores in Costa Rica and Guatemala. This brings Blockbuster's worldwide presence to 28 countries, including the United States.

Last year, the company announced that it would increase its presence in Central America through Franchising arrangements. Since then, Blockbuster has entered into agreements in Costa Rica with Immobiliaria de Videos S.A., which is affiliated with Blockbuster's Panamanian franchisee, Grupo Mizbe S.A., as well as Corporacion de Entretenimiento de Guatemala, S.A., an affiliate of the current Blockbuster franchisee in El Salvador.

Both franchisees opened one store in each market earlier this month and anticipate opening additional stores in these markets by the end of 2001.

"As the leading international retailer of rentable home movies and video games, it is very exciting to announce our latest expansion into Costa Rica and Guatemala," said Chris Wyatt, president, Blockbuster International. "Through franchising, we are able to effectively expand our consumer reach and bring the Blockbuster brand into new markets."

Blockbuster has corporate store presence in Argentina, Canada, Chile, China (Hong Kong), Denmark, Great Britain, Ireland and Uruguay. International Franchise markets include Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Thailand, The Philippines and Venezuela. Additionally, Australia, Mexico, Spain and Taiwan have both corporate and franchise presence.

Blockbuster Inc. is a publicly traded subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B) and is the world's leading renter of videos, DVDs, and video games with nearly 7,800 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia.