AC Milan Secure Japanese Partnership

November 11, 2014

Japanese convenience store Lawson, Inc. has agreed a partnership with Italian football club AC Milan for the Japan region.

International sports marketing company, Infront Sports & Media, facilitated the partnership for the Italian club. The agreement was announced today at Casa Milan, the headquarters of AC Milan, at the official Sponsor Day .

Ken Sakamoto, President and Representative Director of Lawson HMV Entertainment, commented: “We are honoured to have the opportunity to support the world’s most beloved sport and specifically a club that has always led the world of football.

“As someone involved in the entertainment business and also being a football fan myself, I am extremely excited about this partnership.”

Barbara Berlusconi, Vice President and CEO of AC Milan, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Lawson Group as the Official Partner of the club in Japan.

“This partnership reflects the global reach of AC Milan and we are truly honored to be partnering with a ‘community-based’ organisation like Lawson.”

Marco Bogarelli, President of Infront Italy, concluded: “Our leadership in the sponsorship market and in rights management allows us to create synergies between local companies and high profile brands such as AC Milan – going beyond each individual market border, to extend brand visibility and create global awareness.”

At the Sponsor Day, AC Milan’s complete sponsor line-up and marketing features for the 2014/15 season were presented.

New sponsors have been secured, including private postal service Nexive, alongside the retention of long-term partners that have enhanced commitments such as tire manufacturer Toyo Tire and snack food brand McVities – both now involved as Premium Sponsors on the second tier.

Marco Bogarelli, President of Infront Italy, commented: “AC Milan is at the forefront of enhancing interaction with fans, focusing on in-stadium entertainment – before, during and after the matches with fan villages, video programming and digital engagement.

“With our expertise across sports marketing, digital media and event organisation, we can add value to the club, its commercial partners and fans.”