Swedish sportswear company, Abacus will become the Official Apparel Partner of the Asian Tour, providing a wide range of stylish apparel for officials and staff members of the Asian Tour following a two-and-a-half year agreement until the end of 2014. 

Abacus will also develop a collection specifically for the Asian Tour, which is the region’s elite professional golf circuit.

Abacus will enjoy multiple opportunities to leverage its brand across the Asian Tour’s worldwide media platforms and a global television platform which reaches over 200 countries and 650 million households.

Chris Mattsson, Chief Executive Officer of Abacus, said: “We are very excited about this partnership with the Asian Tour. Since we started our distribution in China and South Korea two years ago, we’ve enjoyed great success and this partnership with the Asian Tour is a very good and natural progression for our expansion plans throughout Asia.

“We are very proud that the Asian Tour has chosen Abacus as their Official Apparel Partner and we know that this partnership will greatly increase the abacus brand awareness throughout the whole of Asia.”

Asian Tour Chief Executive Officer, Mike Kerr said the latest partnership was another strong endorsement towards the cosmopolitan appeal of the Asian Tour.
“We are delighted to welcome Abacus as an Asian Tour partner. It is fantastic that Abacus, as one of the leading golf apparel brands in the world, understands and values the broad reach and authentic platform that the Asian Tour offers” said Kerr.
“This partnership also provides the Asian Tour with a functional and relevant on-ground opportunity to showcase the Abacus apparel range as it continues to grow its global brand appeal,” added Kerr.

The Swedish company has in the last 10 years grown from being a fledgling in the Scandinavian golf fashion market to a globally established brand in sports and fashion.
Abacus has been the official European Solheim Cup Team apparel provider since 2007 and has been granted an apparel license for the Ryder Cup up to 2018. Abacus is also the Official Clothing Partner of the European Tour, Irish Open, Scottish Open and Nordea Masters.

Abacus dresses the English Golf Union, The German Golf Federation, The Danish Union and the Norwegian Golf Federation and its apparel is also sold at many leading Pro Shops around the world.

They include Pebble beach in the United States, Barseback in Sweden and Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

Its golfing brand ambassadors include LPGA Tour players Seon Hwa of Korea, Scottland’s Cattriona Matthew, Spain’s Maria Hernandez and Sweden’s Christian Nilsson.

Richard S Johnson of Sweden, who is a two-time winner on the European Tour, is also sponsored by Abacus.

Adam Opel AG has become the Official Car Partner of Fortuna Düsseldorf and SC Freiburg from the 2012/13 season onwards.

This is equivalent to a sponsorship involvement on the second highest level – as a premium sponsor and premium partner respectively. Negotiated by Infront Sports & Media, the exclusive marketing partner of both clubs, the contracts will run for several years.

Opel is one of the technologically most advanced automobile manufacturers in Europe with headquarters located in Rüsselsheim, Germany. By partnering with the two Bundesliga clubs, the brand will receive extensive advertising presence in both the MAGE SOLAR Stadion and the ESPRIT arena.

Through the sponsorship, Opel will also take advantage of numerous promotional and activation opportunities at both the stadiums and at their own sales offices. In addition there is an extensive hospitality contingent available to Opel, which it will use to involve its retailers, employees and customers in the sponsorship. As the Official Car Partner, Opel will supply the two clubs with a fleet of vehicles for use by the employees, the teams and the youth squads.

Karl-Friedrich Stracke, CEO of Opel, explains: “Football, as such a popular sport, fits the Opel brand perfectly as it is positioned in the centre of society and delivers Opel’s futuristic car design and innovative technology to the broader population.”

Andreas Marx, Marketing Director of Opel, added: “There is a unique connection with each club. SC Freiburg, with its ‘green image’, is the perfect platform for themes related to Opel’s communication – such as sustainability and energy efficiency. The promotion of Fortuna Düsseldorf after the dramatic relegation is possibly one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the Bundesliga and fits well with our own ambitions.”

Peter Frymuth, CEO of Fortuna Düsseldorf commeted: “Two brands, one comeback: After many years of absence, Fortuna and Opel are back in the Bundesliga. Opel has always remained close to football and its down-to-earth brand appearance fits perfectly with our club. ‘We live football’ – this is the principle which will guide our partnership, we are pleased to take on the challenge of the 2012/13 Bundesliga season together with a strong partner.”

Fritz Keller, First Chairman of SC Freiburg, said: “This is great for German football. We are pleased that Opel is back in the Bundesliga and that we are part of their comeback – supporting the brand first hand. A down-to-earth approach, passion and authenticity are the principles of SC Freiburg. For Opel, this provides an ideal, emotional environment to address its target groups appropriately. The company campaigns for innovation and sustainability and is therefore the ideal Car Partner for SC Freiburg – known for its high environmental standards. In the spirit of sustainability and a long-term approach, Opel’s involvement will not only be advantageous to the professional players but also to the SC Freiburg football school.”

Evian has renewed its sponsorship with women’s tennis number one Maria Sharapova and will also continue to be the official Bottled Water for Wimbledon for a further five years.

Sharapova, adiposity | has signed a new three-year-deal with Evian to continue as a brand ambassador, here while the brand extends its deal with the All England Club until 2017.

This year’s tournament will see a range of activities run by Evian, including a real time Ball Hunt, samping and a series of videos being created for the Wimbledon website.

Mick Desmond, commercial director of the All England Club, said: “Evian has ably demonstrated its enthusiasm and support for The Championships and we are delighted to be extending our agreement. The brand’s innovation and ability to embrace the ethos of Wimbledon, while adding its own twist, has led to a highly successful partnership and it is one which we are looking forward to developing over the next five years.”

Michael Aidan, global brand director for Evian global brand director, added: “The whole Evian team is very proud of having Maria as an ambassador. Our first partnership started when she was just back from injury and her fantastic comeback is a great source of inspiration for all of us. Maria loves the brand and epitomises the idea of healthy living with a touch of glamour, everything Evian stands for all around the world.”

Huddersfield Town has tied up another commercial deal by renewing its partnership with Halifax based Wilby Limited for the fourth successive season.

The independent insurance broker and risk management specialists’ distinctive red logo has been a familiar element on the Club’s blue and white over the last three seasons. 

Despite not featuring on Town’s Umbro tailored home shirt this season they will continue to work with the Club as an official partner. Over the first three years of the relationship the pair have formed a partnership to provide local businesses and supporters with quality, independent advice on their insurance arrangements with a portion of any business written benefitting the clubs academy. 

Huddersfield Town’s Commercial Director, Sean Jarvis, commented on the deal: “Over the past three seasons Wilby has become an intrinsic part of Huddersfield Town and we are all absolutely delighted that they will be backing the Club for our Championship challenge.

“Wilby has become a part of the Club’s framework and our working relationship with the staff continues to go from strength to strength.”

He added: “Wilby’s provide an excellent service for all insurance matters and for every insurance policy taken out a donation is made to our Academy.”

Wilby Limited’s Managing Director, Richard Blackburn, added: “We’re delighted to continue our partnership with Huddersfield Town and look forward to continuing to build on the relationships we have formed over the last few years. The Club has come a long way in this time an we’re looking forward to an exciting season both on and off the field.”

Based in Halifax, and established over 25 years ago, Wilby are one of the UKs Top 100 Independent Insurance Brokers and look after the insurance arrangements of a wide range of businesses both locally and across the UK. They also have an excellent reputation for providing bespoke insurance solutions for individuals with valuable possessions.

Arsenal FC have announced a new three-year partnership with African mobile network operator Airtel.

The deal provides Airtel with the opportunity to utilise the Club’s merchandising, and hospitality and content rights in five markets: Nigeria, denture Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda.

The agreement will help the north London side reach some of its 42 million fans across the continent. Airtel customers in Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda will have the opportunity to win match tickets to watch this summer’s pre-season tour fixture and receive exclusive club content and news direct to handsets. In addition to the agreement, Airtel will be designated as the official mobile operator of the 2012 Arsenal Tour to Nigeria.

Arsenal will also support the Airtel Rising Stars football programme, an annual grassroots training initiative that offers young boys and girls the opportunity to play football and compete in a safe environment. Airtel donates money for each goal scored at the tournament to support the players’ education to ensure those involved don’t only get best-in-class sports training and opportunities, but also have better opportunities to further their academic studies. The Gunners will provide UEFA-trained coaches to assist with training in each of the five markets and at an Arsenal Coaching Clinic for up to 50 footballers in London.

Arsenal’s Head of Global Partnerships Vinai Venkatesham commented: “I am delighted to welcome Airtel into our family of Commercial Partners. This is the second long-term partnership arrangement to arise from the continent and we look forward to developing a number of exciting initiatives with Airtel, starting with our forthcoming tour to Nigeria in August. This underlines the depth of our following in Africa and how the profile of the Club continues to grow internationally.” 

Airtel Africa Chief Marketing Officer, Andre Beyers added:  “Football fans across Africa are known for their passion of the great game. Arsenal’s exciting style of play and a history of working with the best talent from Africa will enrich this partnership and offer a wealth of opportunities for upcoming players and fans. The partnership provides an impetus to the Airtel Rising Stars in some of the countries that have produced amazing young talent and whose youth teams have gone on to win FIFA Youth and Olympic tournaments.’’

Hong Kong racing’s turf world championships prize money will be increased by its new sponsor, Longines, the Swiss watchmaker.

Longines replaces Cathay Pacific, which sponsored the event for an eight-year period.

The 2012 Hong Kong International Races will have an additional HK $4M (US $515,600) in prize money.

The Longines name will be appended to the traditional international lead-up event, the Group Two Jockey Club Cup, for which the prize money remains at HK $3M (US $386,700).

The International Jockeys’ Championship is now worth HK $800,000 (US $103,120) in total prize money shared between the jockeys finishing first.

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The Philadelphia Eagles and Coca-Cola Refreshments announced a wide-ranging, long-term partnership that will make Coca-Cola brands the sparkling beverages of choice for Philadelphia Eagles fans.

The agreement brings brands including Coca-Cola, diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Dasani bottled water and others, to Lincoln Financial Field. These great brands will be available to Eagles fans at the beginning of the Eagles 2012 season.

Eagles executives believe this new relationship will help further the team’s efforts beyond the field as well. Both organizations share a commitment to environmentally responsible business practices and community involvement. Coca-Cola specifically will be collaborating with the Eagles’ Go Green Program and Eagles Youth Partnership.

“This is an exciting partnership for the Philadelphia Eagles on a variety of levels,” said Eagles President Don Smolenski. “We’ll be providing a great product for our fans and we have found a partner whose core values align with ours.”

The Eagles’ Go Green program is a national leader in alternative energy and recycling, and Lincoln Financial Field uses some of the best environmental practices in the sports industry.  Similarly, Coca-Cola is committed to making a positive impact when it comes to sustainability. For example, Dasani PlantBottle™ packaging will be available at Lincoln Financial Field this season. Dasani PlantBottle™ is made from up to 30 percent plant-based materials, the PET plastic bottles, which use fewer non-renewable resources, are still 100 percent recyclable.

Coca-Cola’s iconic “Live Positively” program, which promotes sustainability, community involvement and healthy, active lifestyle choices, will be a key-component in the partnership. Together Coca-Cola and the Eagles will host Live Positively “Get the Ball Rolling” clinics throughout the year to educate local Philadelphia area youth about the importance of being active and the importance of nutrition.

“By joining forces with a legendary organization like the Philadelphia Eagles, Coca-Cola will refresh Eagles fans as they create lasting memories and cheer on their hometown team,” said Jim Brennan, Coca-Cola Senior Vice-President, Northeast Region. “Philadelphia Eagles fans can now enjoy an ice-cold Coke while watching the Eagles pursue their dream of a championship season.”

“We’ve already heard great feedback from our own employees,” said Ari Roitman, the Eagles Senior Vice President, Business. “When we installed the Coca-Cola dispensers and coolers at the NovaCare Complex, there was already a line of people ready to pour the first Coke.  We served Coca-Cola beverages for our fans at Veterans Stadium for 31 years – we are thrilled to welcome them back to the family and to Lincoln Financial Field.”

Huddersfield Town has today made it a hat trick of new partnerships after confirming that Sports and Prestige Car Specialist, order Lewis James has become an official Club partner. 

Lewis James has been involved with the Club over the last couple of seasons and has gone as far as putting a Porsche up for grabs in a half-time interval game. 

Back in 2010, during Town’s table topping clash against Brighton, the Sports and Prestige Specialist offered supporters the chance of a lifetime to win a Porsche, worth well over £20,000. Sadly, none of the participating fans were successful in the challenge and Lewis James kept the keys to the car. 

More recently they helped Town promote its Play-Off semi-final clash against MK Dons by lending a car featuring decaled advertising for the game. 

As official partners the Lewis James brand will be featured more prominently around the Stadium on a match day next season. The Huddersfield based company has chosen to sponsor the home and away dressing rooms as well as a hospitality suite inside the Stadium. 

Huddersfield Town Commercial Director, Sean Jarvis, said: “Lewis James has helped the Club a lot over recent years; whether that has been helping us make our half-time entertainment more interesting or to help us sell match tickets – they have always been on hand to offer assistance.”

“As a result, I am delighted that they have stepped up their support ahead of the season and become official Club partners.”

He added: “To have welcomed three new businesses to our family of club partners over the last couple of weeks is very encouraging and hopefully there will be plenty of more to follow before the new season kicks-off.” 

Co-Owner of Lewis James, Nigel Ham, said: “It gives us great pleasure to be associated with an up and coming football club that shares the same desires and passion to succeed that we do in our business.”

Based on Wakefield Road, Lewis James of Huddersfield specialises in the sale of Sports and Prestige Car and also incorporates a German Car Service Centre and a Specialist Porsche servicing division. With a good selection across there range, they pride themselves by offering only the best in respect of quality and service.

Amazon has entered the skateboarding market by putting its money behind a noted pro skateboarder.

The Seattle-based company announced it’s financially backing Andy McDonald, a pro skateboarder known for his wild tricks in the X Games.

The company says McDonald will recommend products on Amazon’s site and give skating tips. A spokesperson for McDonald refused to comment on the financial terms, according to Bloomberg News.

The move comes in conjunction with with launch of a new action sports section on Amazon, selling skateboards and other active items.

It’s a new arena for the online retailer. Amazon’s logo will appear alongside other companies including Sony, Airwalk shoes and Clif energy bars on McDonald and his gear.

NFL’s Arizona Cardinals and Hyundai Motor America and the Valley Hyundai Dealers announced a comprehensive partnership deal Tuesday.

The Korean automaker will own rights as the presenting sponsor of the team’s training camp stay in Flagstaff — it will be known as “Cardinals Training Camp presented by Hyundai”. The car manufacturer’s presence will include vehicle displays, signage, and promotional and hospitality opportunities.

In addition, the Cardinals will be wearing a Hyundai logo patch on their practice jerseys throughout the year.

“Hyundai Motor America and the Valley Hyundai Dealers are excited about our new partnership with the Arizona Cardinals,” said Derrick Hatami, general manager, Western Region, Hyundai Motor America. “We look forward to working with the team to further develop both the Hyundai and Arizona Cardinals brands, and creating a unique experience for Cardinals fans throughout the NFL season.”

The Cardinals aren’t the only NFL team who wears sponsorship patches on practice jerseys. The Seattle Seahawks don the patch of search engine Bing on theirs, while the San Francisco 49ers announced a similar partnership with Visa back in 2009.