The Austrian Open’s future has been protected after Lyoness came on as a new sponsor on Thursday, European Tour officials said on Thursday.

Austrian-based affinity card company Lyoness has agreed to back the tournament with a minimum annual prize fund of one million euros.

“We thank them and the promoters for helping to secure the event’s future and we look forward to working closely with them to develop the tournament,” tour official Keith Waters told reporters during the PGA Championship first round at Wentworth.

The Austrian Open has been a mainstay of the tour, apart from a one-year break in 2000, since German great Bernhard Langer won the inaugural event in 1990.

The Diamond Country Club near Vienna has staged the tournament for the last two years and will again be the venue from July 25-28, the week after the 2012 British Open at Royal Lytham.

JCB International, the only international payment brand based in Japan, is has announced that it has acquired an official sponsorship of the China LPGA Tour.

The China LPGA Tour was founded in 2009 and is officially sanctioned by the China Golf Association (“CGA”). The China LPGA Tour held 6 tournaments in 2009, 8 in 2010 and 12 in 2011 and is contributing greatly to the development of ladies professional golf in China. As ladies professional golf througout Asia draws more worldwide attention, the China LPGA is building the future of the sport in China.

JCBI’s sponsorship rights include display of the JCB brand logo at the China LPGA tournaments, helping to increase brand awareness in China. Golf is slated to become an Olympic sport in 2016 and its popularity is growing among women in China as a fashion and lifestyle trend as affluent consumers continue to expand. JCB is proud to support the development of women’s professional golf by sponsoring the China LPGA which is the only ladies professional golf tour officially sanctioned by the CGA while increasing exposure of the JCB brand to golf enthusiasts in China and around the world who follow China LPGA Tour championships. JCBI hopes to further support ladies professional golf with additional activities in the future.

Starting in 1982 JCB has been expanding card acceptance in partnership with leading banks in China. In 2000 JCB started its card issuance by licensing leading banks and financial institutions to issue JCB cards. Today 9 major banks are issuing JCB cards, with a total of more than 5 million JCB cards in the market.

Lotus F1 Team has unveiled a new partnership with Avanade in a three-year deal with branding to appear on the E20 from the Monaco Grand Prix onwards.

there 255, cough 255, 0.917969);”>Business technology solutions and managed services provider Avanade joins Lotus F1 Team from the Monaco Grand Prix in a new three-year deal which will include Avanade professionals implemented at the team’s Enstone base for strategic consulting on Microsoft Dynamics implementation.

Avanade will showcase the tripartite relationship with the Lotus F1 Team and Microsoft as a best in class case study, working closely with the team and its partners, particularly in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.

Patrick Louis, Chief Executive Officer Lotus F1 Team: “Avanade will be a key partner in driving efficiencies and business processes through Lotus F1 Team. They provide business technology solutions which help organisations in all industries improve business agility, employee productivity and customer loyalty. Their approach has a perfect synergy with Lotus F1 Team and we look forward to working with them on our global business transformation process. Earlier this year we announced our three year partnership with Microsoft Dynamics and this latest partnership stems naturally from this. Avanade have some interesting plans to harness this relationship and we are proud to have their name on the E20.”

Adam Warby, Chief Executive Officer, Avanade, added: “For the Lotus F1 team, performance matters both on and off the track. As Lotus F1’s official consulting partner, Avanade is bringing unmatched expertise and experience in the Microsoft platform to help them outpace the competition and drive growth. Leveraging the latest Microsoft technologies, Avanade will also support the Lotus F1 team’s broader commitment to sustainability, helping realize results while creating energy efficiencies and lowering costs.”

Lotus HVM Racing and the Nuclear Clean Air Energy sponsor group are announcing today that the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) has agreed a partnership with IZOD IndyCar driver Simona De Silvestro effective immediately.

“The nuclear industry and IndyCar racing have much in common as they deal with highly sophisticated technologies for which safety is the highest priority. There is a natural synergy to both industries that lends itself to our partnership to promote awareness of the benefits of nuclear industry,” said Scott Peterson, NEI senior vice president of communications.

“Both industries understand that it takes a team approach with each member checking and rechecking operating systems of the nuclear plant and an Indy car to make sure they’re working at peak efficiency and reliability. Neither industry rests upon its laurels and is constantly looking to raise the bar on safety to ensure the maximum protection for those working in these fields and the public.”

NEI kicks off its support at the Nuclear Energy Assembly, the annual nuclear industry conference and nuclear supplier expo, in Charlotte. This year’s conference will feature the #78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy IndyCar and the campaign it supports.

“I’m very excited to have NEI on board with the Nuclear Clean Air Energy campaign,” said Simona De Silvestro. “It’s great to have all of these partners in the nuclear industry joining our program. I’m really happy to be part of the Nuclear Clean Air Energy campaign and to be able to bring education about nuclear to people. I’m proud to have been chosen to represent the industry with my #78 IZOD IndyCar.”

John Herron, chief executive officer of Entergy Nuclear, is pleased to have NEI join the campaign. “Our partnership with NEI and the Lotus HVM racing team with driver Simona De Silvestro gives us an opportunity to educate people in this country that nuclear power is critical to provide the safe, clean, affordable and dependable baseload electricity for our country’s increasing energy needs,” he said. “I’m pleased that NEI is joining us in this exciting Nuclear Clean Air Energy outreach campaign.”

De Silvestro will next drive the #78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy IndyCar at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 27. To watch the 96th running of the Indy 500, the world’s most prestigious auto race, tune into ABC beginning at 11 a.m. ET.

The Scottish Senior Open has finally found a new title sponsor in the shape of Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) who have replaced Cleveland Golf/Srixon who ended its partnership with the event last year. 

“It is a pleasure to welcome SSE, arthritis Mitsubishi Power Systems Europe, site Subsea 7 and Technip as sponsors of the 2012 SSE Scottish Senior Open, check ” said Andy Stubbs, Managing director of the European Senior Tour as he announced the new deal.

The event, won for the last two years by Englishman Barry Lane, is returning for the fourth season in a row to Fairmont St Andrews on 17-19 August, when a £250,000 prize fund will be up for grabs.

“It is sure to be another superb tournament at Fairmont St Andrews, which has always provided the backdrop worthy for one of our biggest events of the year and, with the support of EventScotland, we know the week will once again prove a resounding success for everyone involved,” added Stubbs.

One of the longest-running on the Senior Tour schedule – this is its 20th year – the event has produced a decent level of home success. Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance won it in 2006, two years after Bill Longmuir was the champion, while David Huish lifted the title in 1998.

SSE, through their subsidiary company Scottish Hydro, has already been a leading supporter of Scottish golf. It backs seven young professionals – Team Scottish Hydro – as they try to make it to the big time, while also providing title sponsorship for the Scottish Hydro Challenge hosted by Macdonald Hotels and Resorts on the European Challenge Tour.

Jim McPhillimy, Managing Director, Group Services of SSE, said: “Golf is a hugely popular sport the length and breadth of Scotland and the Scottish Senior Open is a long standing and prestigious event of which SSE and its renewable energy partners are proud to be title sponsors.”

The SSE Scottish Senior Open is also being supported by EventScotland as part of Scotland’s successful bid to host the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

Paul Bush OBE, its chief operating officer, added: “EventScotland is proud to once again be supporting the Scottish Senior Open as part of our ongoing investment in golf as we build up to the 2014 Ryder Cup.”

AC Milan have announced today that United Biscuits International and it’s McVitie’s Digestives brand has signed a sponsorship deal with AC Milan, as “Official Partner“ starting in July 2012.

Luca Alessandri, Country Manager for United Biscuits Italy, said: “McVitie’s Digestives’ sponsorship of AC Milan is very exciting for us. AC Milan is the italian team boasting millions of supporters all around the world, above all in China, Brazil, United States and Middle East.  The Club counts today 7 million of supporters in Italy.

“2012 is a big year for McVitie’s Digestives as it marks our 120th anniversary. Italy is a huge market for our McVitie’s Digestives, with 8.3 million packs sold in 2011 alone. The secret to the Digestive’s worldwide fame may be the fact that it’s suited to every occasion – whether eaten as a tea-time treat in Britain, with cheese in Sweden or with milk or a coffee for breakfast in Italy. We are hoping our sponsorship of AC Milan will help us to share the great, wholesome taste of McVitie’s Digestives with even more people.”

Jeff van der Eems, United Biscuits’ Chief Operating Officer, added: “United Biscuits is very honoured to announce our new partnership with AC Milan, the most successful sports club in the world.  Both UB and AC Milan share a long tradition of achieving success in our respective fields.  We also share a focus on winning and delighting our fans worldwide.  We look forward to a fruitful and exciting relationship with AC Milan.“

Adriano Galliani, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented: “A brand known worldwide for the excellence of its products joins in  partnership with AC Milan: it’s a partnership that makes us proud because we are the first and only football club to be sponsored by United Biscuits. We give them the warmest welcome: it will be a year of great excitement and success.”

World No 1 Novak Djokovic was unveiled as the new ambassador for Japanese clothing firm UNIQLO on Wednesday, whose sportswear he will wear at the French Open this weekend.

The five-year partnership, which takes effect from today, will see Djokovic promoting the UNIQLO brand and UNIQLO clothing worldwide. The partnership will also include collaboration on future product lines, as well as co-developing the ultimate UNIQLO functional wear.

Tadashi Yanai, Chairman, President & CEO of leading global Japanese retailer Fast Retailing, said: “We are extremely pleased to have Novak Djokovic become UNIQLO’s global brand ambassador. We will use the most innovative fabrics and technologies to develop match wear that can contribute to the performance of a globally recognized and respected sports person like Novak. At the same time, UNIQLO will incorporate latest fabrics and technologies to co-develop with him the ultimate functional apparel that can be worn, and enjoyed, by people all over the world.

“UNIQLO and Novak share a common, mutual desire to improve people’s lives and contribute to society. In addition to creating truly great clothing with new and unique value, Fast Retailing takes to heart our mission to enrich people’s lives through unique corporate activities and to grow our company in unity with society. We look forward to collaborating with Novak on a number of corporate social responsibility programs around the world.”

Novak Djokovic, commenting on today’s announcement said: “I am honored, and also very excited, to have been appointed as the UNIQLO global brand ambassador. UNIQLO is a cool brand with strong roots in Japan, a country whose culture and way of life I respect. I have a personal philosophy which I call ‘Be Unique,’ and this is based on my strong passion, drive and eagerness to keep improving myself. I am passionate about being the best possible tennis player, as well as the best possible person, and I have a continuous desire to help people, especially children, who have been less fortunate than I.”

Djokovic added, “I feel a natural connection with UNIQLO. To me, UNIQLO is not fast fashion, and it’s not sports wear. UNIQLO is the ultimate functional wear, which is exactly what I need as both a sports person and an individual who leads a very active life. I look forward to collaborating with UNIQLO in the development of new products and to getting to know the global UNIQLO family better.”

Energy company Statoil has been named the title sponsor of the Masters Tennis event at the Royal Albert Hall for the next three years. 

The event, erectile which has featured an array of Wimbledon champions including Bjorn Borg, John McEnroe and Pete Sampras every December since 1997, will now be known as the Statoil Masters Tennis until at least 2014.

Charlie Grave, Managing Director, Sponsorship at IMG, said: “We are delighted to welcome Statoil as our new title sponsor. For the past 15 years, the Masters Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall has brought together much-loved champions to compete and entertain sell-out crowds in one of the most unique and iconic tennis arenas in the world.

“In Statoil, we have a passionate title sponsor that will invest in the event, and help the tournament go from strength-to-strength.”

Statoil, a Norway-based company which is present in more than 30 countries around the world, is making its first venture into sport in the UK to sponsor the Statoil Masters Tennis.

John Knight, Statoil’s Executive Vice President, Global Strategy and Business Development, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor this very popular tennis tournament. Our company supplies energy to UK homes and work places from many different sources including wind power, natural gas and oil. We are, in fact, one of the most significant importers of natural gas to the UK and we and our partner company Statkraft have recently invested more than £1 billion in the Sheringham Shoal wind power project in Norfolk. Our sponsorship of the Statoil Masters Tennis gives an opportunity for people in the UK to get to know us better and for us to make a broader contribution to UK society.”

The Statoil Masters Tennis will take place between Wednesday 5th and Sunday 9th December when Tim Henman will defend the title he won for the first time last year.

Henman said: “All successful events need the support of good sponsors so it is great news that Statoil has come on board to title-sponsor the tournament. The Statoil Maters Tennis is a special event and the Royal Albert Hall is an incredible arena for tennis. It is a pleasure for us to play there in front of packed crowds every year.”

The Statoil Masters Tennis is part of the ATP Champions Tour – a circuit of former World Number One tennis players, Grand Slam singles finalists and Davis Cup winners.

Last week Statoil announced that rising British tennis star and IMG client, Heather Watson has signed an agreement to be an ambassador for the brand and it’s ‘Heroes of Tomorrow’ program.

Watson, 19, will represent Statoil around the world and wear the brand’s logo during tournaments. She developed her game at IMG Academies in Bradenton, Florida where she began training at the age of twelve.

PwC, Ireland’s largest professional services firm, announced today that it has renewed its sponsorship with the Irish Rugby Football Union for another four years.

As part of the renewed partnership, PwC will continue to be the official sponsors of the Ireland Under-20, Ireland Under-19, Ireland Under-18 Club and Schools teams.

PwC and the IRFU are also developing a mentoring programme for the Under-20 players to cover areas such as learning and development, interview processes and general advice on professional workforce entry.

Ronan Murphy, Senior Partner, PwC, said: “We are delighted to continue our support of the IRFU and Irish rugby. Our association with Irish rugby is a perfect fit for our business where qualities such as leadership, teamwork and a determination to win are key ingredients for success.

“Training and development are also critical in business and in sport and it is great to see members of the current senior team having come through the Under-20s and now representing Ireland at the top level.

“PwC also looks forward to working with the IRFU to develop its mentoring programme for the Under-20 squad players.

“In particular, we congratulate the Under-20 team on their success in the recent Six Nations and wish them continued success in the IRB Junior World Championship in South Africa (next month).”

Pat Fitzgerald, Commercial & Marketing Chairman of the IRFU, added: “The IRFU is pleased to be continuing our partnership with PwC. It is a very positive development to have such a strong name associated with our up and coming players.

“It is especially pleasing to be announcing details of the new mentoring programme that is aimed at providing sound advice for young players in their progression into the professional workforce during and after their rugby careers.”

BMO Harris Bank has secured the naming rights to the home of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marquette men’s basketball, which will now be known as the BMO Harris Bradley Center.

It’s part of a six-year, approximately $18 million partnership with several businesses, including Harley-Davidson, Kohl’s, Northwestern Mutual and Rockwell Automation. Specific contract lengths and contributions were not disclosed.

The deal comes as Milwaukee Bucks owner Sen. Herb Kohl is pushing for a new arena. And if a new building isn’t in place by the time the new sponsorship deals run out, the Bucks’ future in Milwaukee will be in doubt. 

“That would not be a good place to get to,” Kohl said. “I can’t anticipate what would happen, but that would not be a good place to get to.”

Kohl acknowledged that Monday’s announcement was a step toward establishing a more firm timeline to put a new arena in place.

“Yes, there is a timeline here,” Kohl said. “We’re talking about five years, an extension for five years here, and there is a recognition on the part of all parties that by then, something positive is going to happen.”

The Bradley Center opened in 1988, making it one of the NBA’s older arenas.

The Bucks have made the playoffs once in the past six seasons. Their average attendance last season was 14,718, fifth-lowest in the league.

“It’s always better if you’re winning,” Kohl said. “We understand that. It drives attendance, it drives revenue, it drives success.”

The Bradley Center was funded by a $93 million contribution from philanthropist Jane Bradley Pettit, who named it in honor of her father. Her children, David and Lynde Uihlein, issued a statement of support; the family previously had opposed selling naming rights to the arena.

Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce president Tim Sheehy called Monday’s announcement a “bridge” to a new facility.

“All good things have a lifespan, and at some point, the Bradley Center is not going to be able to support the economics of the games that are played here,” Sheehy said. “So we’re going to have to look to the future. So by a bridge, we’re talking about a six-year bridge that gets this community in a position to discuss the future of NBA basketball and other events. The clock is ticking. And this is a great milestone, but it’s one brick in the road toward our future, and our future is going to include a new facility at some point.”

The deal also establishes a special seating section for Bucks games and other events that will be available to not-for-profit organizations.