Marvel Entertainment Partners with Middle East’s Largest Telecommunications Company for Multi-Platform Marketing Cam

Turk Telekom Advertisements Align with Action Sequel that Grossed over $300 Million Worldwide in Two Weeks

ISTANBUL--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Turkish telecommunication leader, Türk Telekom, in alliance with Marvel Entertainment, LLC and their recently released film, “Iron Man 2,” is launching a multi-platform marketing campaign combining their innovative services with the heroic and superhuman themes of this summer’s action movie sensation. Türk Telekom proves they create the perfect team with Marvel’s steel-skinned phenomenon by valiantly serving the region’s home or business communication needs, while Iron Man serves the public good.

As part of the agreement, Türk Telekom will co-promote ”Iron Man 2” via television, banner and mobile advertisements to the Turkish population, 98 percent of which watch television on any given day and 88 percent of which are heavy mobile Internet users.

This marketing campaign will continue Türk Telekom‘s dedication to providing advanced entertainment resources to Europe’s youngest, yet fairly untapped, segment − an estimated 60 percent of Turkey is under the age of 34. The agreement between Marvel Entertainment and Türk Telekom, which made this co-promotional campaign feasible, was commemorated with a ceremonious signing by Türk Telekom’s mascot Super Can and Marvel’s summertime hero, Iron Man, on April 23, 2010 - the 90^th anniversary of National Sovereignty and International Children's Day.

"The signing of this agreement marked a significant day in our history,” said Simon Philips of Marvel Entertainment. “We are pleased to tap into a region of the globe that is home to such a significant young population and we are excited to bring our legendary characters to their daily lives.”

“Partnering with an established brand like Marvel reinforces Turk Telekom’s leadership position in this region, while also providing Marvel access to a highly lucrative and fast-growing market,” said Dr. Paul Doany, CEO of Turk Telekom.

”Iron Man 2” features the return of billionaire inventor Tony Stark, played by Robert Downey Jr., in the much-anticipated sequel to the 2008 action movie sensation ”Iron Man,” which grossed over $585 million worldwide. ”Iron Man 2” earned over $128 million during its opening weekend at domestic box offices, while finishing on top overseas for the second straight week with a combined international tally over $194 million.

About Türk Telekom

Türk Telekom Group provides integrated telecommunication services from PSTN and GSM to broadband internet. As of September 30, 2009, Türk Telekom group companies have 16.8 mn Fixed Access lines, 6 mn ADSL connections and 12.1 mn GSM subscribers. Group companies have a modern network infrastructure covering the whole country and offer a wide variety of services to residential and commercial customers all over Turkey. Apart from 81% shares in Avea, one of the three GSM operators in Turkey, Türk Telekom owns 99.9% of TTnet, Argela, Innova, Sebit A.Ş., AssisTT and Sobee companies. Türk Telekom also has a minority share in Albtelecom, the Albanian incumbent telecom operator. 55% of Türk Telekom shares belong to Oger Telekomünikasyon A.Ş. and 30% belongs to Turkish Treasury. The remaining 15% is publicly traded. Türk Telekom shares are listed in Istanbul Stock Exchange since May 2008. For more information, visit www.turktelekom.com.tr

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics). Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online. For more information visit www.marvel.com

CONTACT:

For Türk Telekom Group
Caroline Sherman, 312/245-9805

KEYWORDS:   Turkey  Europe  Middle East

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