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.”

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.
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