AOL INC. (AOL)

[Joemoney]

Burger King, AOL in Promotional Venture

MIAMI (Reuters) - Would you like a special digital computer code to access enhanced America Online features with that Whopper?

No. 2 hamburger chain Burger King and New York media conglomerate AOL Time Warner Inc. (NYSE:AOL - news) on Monday announced an Internet marketing initiative that would give Burger King customers access to special features in various AOL publishing, broadcast, music, film and online media.

For example, Miami-based Burger King's customers would be given digital codes with purchases to grant them access to special Internet sites available on several America Online brands and Burger King site www.burgerking.com, the companies said.

Customers would be able to participate in various sports and music promotions on these sites, the companies said.

The alliance is the latest move under the watch of Chief Executive John Dasburg, who assumed his current post earlier this year.

Dasburg has been trying to invigorate the chain's U.S. business, responsible for roughly 80 percent of profits, in preparation for a long-overdue spinoff or other separation from the company's London-based parent, Diageo Plc (DGE.L).

``By combining our brand with AOL Time Warner's top-drawer content and media distribution strengths, we will reach the widest audience in the online and offline worlds,'' Dasburg said.

AOL Time Warner has been striking deals such as this ever since the completion of its $106.2 billion merger in January. The deals come as media companies face a sharp decline in ad spending amid the growing economic uncertainty. Others who have signed similar pacts include Kraft Foods Inc (NYSE:KFT - news) and WorldCom Inc. (Nasdaq:WCOM - news).

The Burger King brand will also be promoted across AOL Time Warner's range of television, print and online media, under the multiyear, multimillion dollar agreement, the companies said.

Consumers will also be exposed to information about Warner Bros. and New Line movies, Warner music acts and other AOL Time Warner products. They will also be able to pick up AOL software and read special features from Time Inc. magazines like Time and People on their Burger King tray liners.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011105/wr/media_aol_burgerking_dc_2.html