Alliance Data Systems Corp. , a leading provider of transaction services, marketing services and credit services, today announced that Direct Energy has signed a multi-year agreement to participate as a Sponsor in the Canadian AIR MILES(R) Reward Program, created and operated by The Loyalty Group, an Alliance Data Systems subsidiary.
Under terms of the agreement, Direct Energy, a member company of Centrica plc and North America's largest energy retailer, will offer AIR MILES Reward Program households in Ontario and Manitoba the opportunity to earn AIR MILES reward miles for their natural gas usage. Direct Energy will become the only natural gas energy marketer in Ontario and Manitoba to offer a loyalty program as part of its business strategy.
The AIR MILES Reward Program is Canada's premier coalition loyalty marketing program. More than 60 percent of Canadian households -- representing more than 12.5 million Canadians -- actively collect AIR MILES reward miles at more than 100 leading brand-name Sponsors representing over 12,000 retail and service locations across Canada. AIR MILES reward miles can be exchanged for more than 500 different rewards, such as travel, movie passes, entertainment attractions, electronic merchandise and more.
"This signing demonstrates continued execution of our three-pronged growth strategy for the AIR MILES Reward Program," said John Scullion, chief executive officer of Alliance Data's Loyalty Group. "Our growth will be driven through deeper relationships with existing Sponsors, expanding into new or non-traditional categories (as is the case with Direct Energy), and continued incremental additions of new households."
"As the largest energy retailer in North America, we are committed to providing valuable products and services to our growing customer base," said Paul Massara, president of Canadian operations, Direct Energy. "We are pleased to be partnering with AIR MILES, Canada's leader in loyalty marketing, to offer customers an opportunity to earn AIR MILES Rewards on their natural gas needs."
About Alliance Data Systems
Based in Dallas, Alliance Data Systems is a leading provider of transaction services, credit services and marketing services. The company assists retail, petroleum, utility and financial services clients in managing the critical interactions between them and their customers. Alliance Data manages over 72 million consumer relationships for some of North America's most recognizable companies and operates and markets the largest coalition loyalty program in Canada. Alliance Data Systems employs approximately 6,500 associates at more than 20 locations in the United States, Canada and New Zealand. For more information about the company, visit its web site, http://www.alliancedatasystems.com/.
Alliance Data Systems' Safe Harbor Statement/Forward Looking Statements
Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Litigation Reform Act. Such statements may use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they relate to Alliance Data Systems or our management. When we make forward-looking statements, we are basing them on our management's beliefs and assumptions, using information currently available to us. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions including the risks discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these risks materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we projected. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We have no intention, and disclaim any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future results or otherwise.
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Alliance Data Systems Corp.