McDonald's(R) Teams With Justin Timberlake on European Concert Tour

Market Wire, November, 2003

As part of McDonald's multi-dimensional global relationship with superstar Justin Timberlake, the company announced today its sponsorship of the "McDonald's Presents Justin Timberlake 'Justified' World Tour 'lovin' it' live" European concert tour. The 19-city tour kicks off in Gent, Belgium, on November 16th and concludes in Madrid, Spain, on January 27th. It is part of McDonald's ongoing relationship with Timberlake, which began with the launch of the company's new worldwide marketing campaign "i'm lovin' it™" in September.

"I love what McDonald's is doing with the new 'i'm lovin' it' campaign and it's cool to be part of it," said Timberlake. "We share the same crowd -- people who like to have fun -- and that's what this new partnership and my European concert tour is all about."

Timberlake recorded a song called "I'm Lovin' It," which was produced by the Neptunes and released by Jive Records in August. He will perform the song as part of the tour.

During the tour, Timberlake will make personal appearances in select cities, visiting McDonald's restaurants, Ronald McDonald Houses and participating in local sporting and community events. He will make a special appearance at a restaurant in Milan, Italy, to help fundraise for Ronald McDonald House Charities on World Children's Day at McDonald's on November 20th.

"By appearing in our new commercials and singing our new theme line, Justin has already been seen and heard around the world as an exciting part of our new brand campaign," said Larry Light, McDonald's Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer. "The European tour is a good example of how our partnership will continue to evolve with dynamic events and activities that will help connect McDonald's to the world of young adults through music, entertainment, fashion and sports."

Justin Timberlake became an international superstar well before his 21st birthday. As one fifth of the multi-platinum group *NSYNC, he's responsible for the monster hits "Pop," "Gone" and "Girlfriend," among others, and has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide. He first partnered with McDonald's during his time with *NSYNC. As a gifted solo artist, he has released the multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated CD "Justified" and has produced hit single after hit single including "Like I Love You," "Rock Your Body" and "Cry Me A River."

McDonald's is the world's leading food service retailer with more than 30,000 local McDonald's restaurants serving 47 million customers each day in more than 100 countries. More than 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants around the world are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women.

Media Contacts: Lisa Howard McDonald's 630/623-5044 Sonia Muckle Jive Records 212/824-1370