lastminute.com, the provider of last minute solutions on the internet, has signed an agreement with American Express offering exclusive late deals and offers to American Express Cardmembers. These will be available to Cardmembers through American Express’ newly-created web site www.americanexpress.co.uk/green, one of the many new benefits that have been added to American Express’ Green Charge Card.

The deals and offers appear on a special American Express–lastminute.com co-branded web page and will be updated regularly. These will range from experiences such as learning to race a powerboat or taking a tiger moth flight, to booking holidays or concert tickets.

Martha Lane Fox, Chief Operating Officer of lastminute.com, commented:

“We are very pleased to be linking up with such a well-known and established brand as American Express. This arrangement will enable us to offer some great and exclusive offers to American Express’ high spending, internet-savvy Cardmembers ”.

Sarah Murphy, Head of Charge Cards at American Express, said:

“We are delighted to be working with lastminute.com, a pioneer in online marketing. Through this relationship we will be able give our Cardmembers exclusive access to some amazing deals that match their busy lifestyles and provide yet another reason for carrying the classic American Express Green Card.”

-ends-

Enquiries:

lastminute.com, +44 (0)20 7802 4230
Julian Culhane
jculhane@lastminute.com

Citigate Dewe Rogerson +44 (0) 20 7638 9571
Duncan Murray
Georgina Peiser

American Express
Doug Smith, +44 (0) 20 7976 4418
Doug.W.Smith@aexp.com


Notes to Editors

About lastminute.com
The lastminute.com web site (www.lastminute.com) was launched in the UK in October 1998.

Based on the idea of matching supply and demand at the last minute via the Internet, lastminute.com works with a range of suppliers in the travel, entertainment, restaurant and gift industries and is dedicated to bringing its customers attractive products and services. lastminute.com aims to provide solutions and inspiration to its customers at short notice.

Following the success of the UK site, localised versions of the website have since been launched in France, Germany and Sweden in September, October and December 1999 respectively. An Australian version of the website was launched in August 2000 in conjunction with travel.com.au, the joint venture partner for Australia and New Zealand. A further joint venture agreement was signed for an operation in South Africa in May 2000.

At 30 June 2000, lastminute.com had approximately 2.1 million registered subscribers and relationships with over 3,400 key suppliers, including international scheduled airlines, hotels, package tour operators, theatre, sports and entertainment promoters, restaurants, speciality service providers and gift suppliers, both in the UK and internationally. In the quarter ended 30 June 2000, 47% of goods sold were non-travel related. Supplier relationships include Lufthansa, British Midland, United Airlines, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Forte Hotel Group, Kempinski Hotels, English National Ballet, The Royal Albert Hall, Conran Restaurants, One for the Road and SFX.

On 14 August 2000, lastminute.com announced the proposed acquisition of Dégriftour Group, France’s largest e-commerce company.


About American Express
American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel and financial services company founded in 1850. It provides Card, travellers cheque, travel and financial services in over 160 countries

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