Puma announced it has entered into a new multi-year partnership with the Mercedes GP Petronas Formula One Team.

The global Sportlifestyle brand has become the exclusive licensing partner to Mercedes GP Petronas for footwear, apparel and accessories; and an official Team Partner, effective from 1 January 2012. The partnership agreement incorporates prominent branding locations for Puma on the MGP W03, the team’s 2012 race car, and on all race and teamwear products.

Through this new partnership, Puma will develop Mercedes GP Petronas licensed products for global sales and distribution.  A strong emphasis will be placed on sales performance of the Mercedes GP Petronas range in mature Motorsport markets, but as the Formula One race calendar expands into new markets and the global profile and reputation of the sport continues to grow, this sales focus will expand globally.

Puma will also provide Mercedes GP Petronas with its latest innovations of fireproof racewear for the team’s drivers and all technical pit personnel.  As the Sportlifestyle brand with the longest heritage in motorsport, PUMA’s development of fire retardant technology has helped revolutionise driver racewear by dramatically reducing weight, while maintaining the optimal performance of safety and comfort.

Ross Brawn, Team Principal at Mercedes GP Petronas commented on the partnership: “Puma has a long and successful heritage in motorsport and, having worked with them previously in Formula One, I know their technical performance innovations for racewear are amongst the best in the industry, which is of course critical to our racing operation. Puma’s global capability to design, develop and distribute licensed products for fans of the Silver Arrows around the world is equally impressive. This is a key partnership for Mercedes GP Petronas, and one we are delighted to have established.”

Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at Puma added: “Puma is fully committed to motorsport for the long term, and signing this partnership with the Mercedes GP Petronas team is a major statement for us as a brand.  Mercedes-Benz has such a rich heritage in motorsport and Mercedes GP Petronas is an exciting continuation of this story. With such talented drivers and team personnel, it’s clear they are destined for great things in the years to come. Combining our experience in licensed product development and distribution with the brand equity of the team has significant commercial benefits for both parties, and is another strong basis for this new partnership.”

Doha 2020 bid has signed on PR company, Vero Communications and Andrew Craig as lead consultants in their bid to stage the first ever Middle East Olympics.

These two organisations are already familiar with themselves after Vero was behind Qatar’s highly successful 2022 FIFA World Cup Bid.

Vice-President of Doha 2020 and the secretary general of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, said in a statement:

“We are delighted to have both VERO and Andrew Craig advising and supporting us in what we hope will be an historic campaign.  

“Mike Lee and his VERO team have an unparalleled track record helping cities and nations successfully bid for mega sports events and they know our passion for sport having worked with the QOC and Qatar’s successful World Cup bid. Allied to Andrew Craig’s top level expertise in sports marketing and International Relations, this is a great combination and a boost to our bid.”

Doha 2020 CEO, Noora Al-Mannai, added: “I am absolutely delighted that we have secured the skills and expertise of both VERO and Andrew Craig.  We have already started building our Doha bid team and it is great to have people of genuine credibility in the international business of sport advising our project.

“Our mission is to show the Olympic Family what Qatar and the region has to offer and we will be making further announcements shortly on appointments and how our bid will be structured to deliver that goal.”

Vero Communications also did the Olympic press and media work with PyeongChang 2018’s winning bid for the winter Games.

Mike Lee OBE, VERO Chairman, said: “This is an exciting time for Qatar and the Middle East and to have the opportunity to play a part in helping to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the region for the first time is very special. Doha 2020 has made a very strong start with visionary and talented leadership and we are proud to be part of the campaign and team.”

Andrew Craig, Chairman of The Craig Company, said: “I am honoured to be working with Doha 2020. This bid has tremendous potential to deliver something amazing for Qatar, the Middle East and the Olympic Movement. As we move forward there will be many opportunities to communicate the vision, plans and genuine legacy of the Doha bid.”

Liverpool Football Club has expanded its vast array of sponsorships with a new three-year partnership with the UK hotel chain Park Inn by Radisson.

The partnership will see the Club working with Park Inn to boost their image by interacting with LFC’s supporters up and down the country.

Ian Ayre, Liverpool FC Managing Director, said: “By teaming up with successful companies we can support mutual goals more effectively and Park Inn by Radisson is a forward thinking, progressive business that shares our values.

“We are excited about working with a brand that has such an innovative and fresh approach to business and the Club will provide Park Inn by Radisson with significant brand visibility and access to our supporter base across the UK.”

Eric De Neef, Senior Vice President, Park Inn by Radisson, added: “Our 23 Park Inn by Radisson hotels across the country are perfect for away fans travelling to matches; for business, or for weekend breaks. All of them offer a hassle-free stay in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere – we look forward to welcoming Liverpool FC’s supporter base.”

patient helvetica, buy sans-serif;”>iSportconnect announced today that it has agreed a one year partnership with RationalFX, a leading independent foreign exchange and money transfer company.

RationalFX will sponsor the Marketplace and ‘Sports Finance Executives’ sub community of iSportconnect.com, and will be the exclusive foreign exchange transfer brand across all sections of the site. iSportconnect’s Market Place section will be redeveloped and re-launched in partnership with RationalFX  with a separate domain name; iSportmarketplace.com. iSportconnect will assist RationalFX as it ventures into the sports industry by providing online and offline networking opportunities.

RationalFX is a London-based company specialising in foreign exchange strategy. Since being founded in 2005, it has since served more than 2000 private clients and business clients from over 50 different industries.

In August 2011, having passed one billion pounds of foreign exchange transactions, RationalFX agreed a one-year shirt sponsorship deal with Carling Cup holders and Europa League entrants Birmingham City FC.

RationalFX decided to partner with iSportconnect to further its network of sports industry contacts.

RationalFX’s CEO and founder Rajesh Agrawal said: “We’re excited. It’s quite amazing what iSportconnect has achieved in a short space of time. We share the same sort of values and ethics. iSportconnect is working for the industry which is what we want to do- work for the industry and help businesses to save money in the sports sector.  We help clubs, businesses, and sports organisations to save money.”

The partnership with RationalFX coincides with an exciting period for iSportconnect; the company recently announced the opening of its US office and online membership continues to grow.

iSportconnect CEO Sree Varma added: “RationalFX has a wealth of knowledge of foreign exchange strategy that can add a great deal to organisations, businesses, and individuals within sport. We are very excited that RationalFx are using iSportconnect to make connections in sports business. This partnership demonstrates that iSportconnect can provide a great platform for sports networking and business opportunities.”

Rational FX’s sponsorship of iSportconnect was brokered by Sports Media Gaming Ltd, also responsible for introducing their current shirt sponsorship with Birmingham City FC.

Stephen Pearson commented: “Rational FX were looking to extend their relations within the sports business community and it was a simple choice in which direction to point them. The partnership with iSportconnect provides the only “one stop” access to international sports business decision makers.”

Read Featured Profile of the week: Rajesh Agrawal, RationalFX >>

Panasonic, a global leader in high definition and Full HD 3D technologies, U.S. Soccer, and Major League Soccer (MLS) announced a three-year sponsorship agreement which will make Panasonic the “Official Consumer Electronics Partner” of U.S. Soccer as well the “Official/Proud Sponsor” of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams and renews these same designations with Major League Soccer.

The relationships with U.S. Soccer and MLS will extend through the 2014 FIFA World Cup until the end of the 2014 MLS season. The sponsorship will give Panasonic category exclusivity across the U.S. Soccer and MLS properties for a wide range of consumer, professional, and B2B products including HDTV (VIERA), Blu-ray Disc, cameras and camcorders (LUMIX), LED signage, TV broadcast equipment, and point of sale systems (excluding payment services systems), solar and eco systems (MLS only), mobile & tablet computers, and select personal care products.

Joe Taylor, Panasonic Corporation of North America’s Chairman & CEO, said: “Panasonic is proud to extend our sponsorship of Major League Soccer and to expand our horizons to support the U.S. Soccer Federation and the Men’s and Women’s National Teams. Soccer is a brand on the rise in the US with a broad, global appeal and a target audience aligned with our own brand goals. This relationship is a perfect match with Panasonic’s wide range of critically-acclaimed consumer and professional products. We already have many technology partnerships in MLS and we hope to expand on that with our end-to-end solutions from video production and professional digital stadium displays to stunning Full HD 3D VIERA TVs and LUMIX cameras to take the great game of soccer to a new level of enjoyment for fans both at home and in the arenas.”

Kathy Carter, President of Soccer United Marketing, MLS’ marketing arm, added: “Panasonic has been a strategic partner of MLS for close to a decade. They have been at the forefront of development during the opening of new soccer-specific stadiums, many of which feature great Panasonic technology. Red Bull Arena, the site of tomorrow’s game between the United States and Ecuador, is a great showcase facility for Panasonic and illustrates how they have helped our League grow over the years. It is great to see them expand their relationship with the sport by supporting U.S. Soccer and we look forward to building upon our partnership for years to come.”

Panasonic has been involved in the sport of soccer in the US for almost 10 years.

The Rome 2020 bid for the Olympic summer Games has hired the firm of Coni Servizi Engineering & Consulting as their lead technical partner in charge of master planning  and design of competition and non competition venues.

Under the partnership Coni Servizi has included an elite group of specialized engineering  and architectural companies such as  Studio Zoppini (PyeongChang 2018), sick Shesa  (Juventus Football Club Stadium), erectile and Populous and Nussli who have a track record with Olympic planning and design. The Populous and Nussli team will also lend their experience to Rome 2020’s overlay planning, sale a key feature of the Eternal City’s extraordinary Games plan.

Raffaele Pagnozzi, General Secretary of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) and CEO of Coni Servizi, said, “This collaborative and multi-lateral approach to supporting Roma 2020 will not only offer our Olympic bid the best possible blend of international experience and Italian capabilities, but will also enable our company to grow and develop a core, sustainable legacy for Italian and international sport for the future.”

Ernesto Albanese, Rome 2020 Managing Director, added, “Overlay and temporary venue planning is one of the key elements of Rome’s bid, and we are very pleased to count on the innovative combination of local resources and international expertise brought to us by Coni Servizi.

“This approach is critical in our effort to minimize capital investments while ensuring a responsible and sustainable legacy for the city, for Italian sport and for the entire Olympic Movement going forward.”

Rome is competing for the 2020 summer Games with five other cities: Baku, Doha, Istanbul, Madrid, and Tokyo. The final decision will be taken in September of 2013 at the IOC session in Buenos Aires.

CieAura LLC, a direct sales company distributing CieAura Transparent Holographic Chips™, has announced a strategic partnership with the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

With CieAura’s impressive roster of NBA and WNBA athletes already openly promoting the product line, this partnership was a natural fit.

CieAura’s licensing agreement with the prestigious basketball leagues allows the company’s retail sales force an opportunity to become Authorized CieAura NBA and WNBA Independent Retailers with exclusive rights to buy and sell specialized NBA and WNBA CX2 Plus Wristbands. The wristbands utilize the company’s proprietary CX2 holographic chip technology for naturally enhanced athletic performance.

CieAura’s licensing agreement with the NBA will allow the company to market the league branded energy wristbands at arenas, maximizing exposure and driving brand awareness and recognition. Exciting promotions would highlight NBA players, coaches, and management wearing the wristbands on the court. The announcement and introduction of the NBA licensed product is being heralded as a game changer for current and former distinguished NBA notables.

NBA Hall of Famer and CieAura Advisory Board Member, Elvin Hayes said: “What CieAura has done now is simply amazing. Being a partner with the NBA and having their support on our products gives us even more credibility. Everyone knows that the NBA does not partner with companies easily. To have played in the NBA for 16 years, and knowing what great marketers they are, this new partnership will catapult our business to a whole new level. With CieAura teaming with the NBA, we all will become part of a championship team.”

The marketing and licensing agreement with the WNBA offers the ability to create innovative marketing programs that spark the connection between the company and basketball fans. CieAura is able to communicate directly with WNBA fans via online networks, mobile technology and at local events to market the CieAura WNBA CX2 Plus Wristband, as well as their entire product line.

The company will offer fans behind-the-scenes access to the WNBA All-Star and WNBA Finals, including dedicated viewing areas and access to pre and post game action with three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic gold medal winner, Lisa Leslie, who is also a member of the CieAura Advisory Board. Additionally the license and marketing agreement will enable CieAura to offer unique packages for WNBA games and events, including tickets, access to WNBA-themed hospitality events and opportunities to meet other WNBA Legends and Players.

CieAura Founder & CEO, Ken Rasner says, “I’m very pleased that such elite brands as the NBA and WNBA recognize the value in partnering with CieAura. Our products are a natural fit for both the players and the fans of these leagues. Energy, Mental Focus and Clarity, Balance and Stamina…That is what our NBA & WNBA wristbands provide at the highest level. We are already seeing an increased level of engagement from our sales force and I’m confident this partnership will continue to be a great asset to our growth as a global brand moving forward.”

USA Sevens, the premier rugby tournament in North America, has secured a partnership with Station Casinos, one of the leading providers of gaming and entertainment in Las Vegas, to host the 3rd annual Las Vegas Invitational amateur rugby competition.

The Las Vegas Invitational (LVI) will take place February 9 – 12, 2012 and will be played alongside the USA Sevens international rugby tournament held annually in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Invitational is considered one of the premier amateur rugby events in the United States, featuring athletes and matchups across a wide-range of rugby divisions and age groups.

Station Casinos has joined as title sponsor of the competition, and has been named as the Official Hotel partner. During tournament week, Station Casinos will become the epicenter of all things rugby including host of the Official Fan Party at Sunset Station.

Kevin Kelley, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Station Casinos, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with USA Sevens to serve as host to teams and fans participating in the Las Vegas Invitational event. Our hotels are uniquely positioned to offer each team premium accommodations at affordable rates.”

Over 200 teams are expected to compete in the tournament, and with over 12,000 fans projected at the LVI, as well as over 60,000 fans attending the international tournament, USA Sevens is anticipating record crowds in 2012.

Jonathan First, President of USA Sevens, said: “We expect this to be an explosive year for the event and we’re excited to be partnering with Station Casinos to help continue to grow the sport of rugby in North America.”

Through the partnership with Station Casinos, participating teams will be offered special room rates at Boulder Station, Sunset Station, Fiesta Henderson and Palace Station as well as an opportunity to receive $200 discount off of the tournament registration fees. In addition to providing LVI teams and fans with specially designed hotel packages, Station Casinos will host a variety of rugby-themed events across the participating properties for the entire week of the tournament.

Manchester City FC has become the first ever Premier League Club to sign a content deal with YouTube.

The deal will allow the club to control its right-owned, ed or club created videos, apoplectic as well as manage advertising around its content.

The Manchester City TV channel, ed CityTV, currently uploads around 100 videos a month by its in-house production team.

Richard Ayers, head of Digital, for Manchester City, said:“Manchester City is having a phenomenal year of growth and development online. Our goal is to deliver a market leading experience for fans in terms of online video.  That means delivering the great content we make to where the audience is – ie on YouTube. This deal is the first move in laying the foundations of our syndication strategy and is part of a series of deals to expand our online capabilities.

“The ability to extend our reach and to increase accessibility to audiences is great, but we’re also looking forward to exploring the differentiating factors of YouTube, like using annotations, making bespoke interactive video and, more than anything else, becoming part of the thriving YouTube community.”

Jeff Nathenson, head of sports partnerships for YouTube, said: “We are excited that Manchester City has become the first English Premier League club to become a commercial partner with YouTube.  They are proving to be an exciting club both on the pitch and in the digital media space.  We believe this kind of deal will have a global impact, allowing them to reach new fans in new territories with compelling original content.”

Bianchi and Cycling’s WorldTour team Vacansoleil-DCM have announced that Bianchi’s Oltre will be the official bicycle sponsor to the team for 2012 and 2013.

The Italy-based manufacturer Bianchi and Vacansoleil-DCM signed a two-year sponsorship agreement, with an option to extend the contract into future years.

Bianchi continues a long and successful history in cycling with the best professional teams in the world. With the Vacansoleil-DCM team, Bianchi secures participation in the major international WorldTour events, like  Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a Espanã, Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix.

Vacansoleil-DCM team will race on the Bianchi Oltre, part of the Bianchi HoC family. The Oltre carbon road frame was designed for extreme racing conditions and it is one of the best racing machines Bianchi has ever made. X-Tex carbon technology and Bianchi optimized aerodynamic shape give it an incredibly efficient power transmission and stiffness to weight ratio.

Bianchi CEO Bob Ippolito said: “Bianchi Oltre is the ideal bike for professional and expert riders, and our new partnership with Vacansoleil-DCM will  provide us with an important  opportunity to further develop and test our carbon technology.”

Bianchi owner and President Salvatore Grimaldi, added: “With the sponsorship of Vacansoleil-DCM, Bianchi continues to expand its investment in performance cycling and global sports marketing. Our goal is to increase our presence and visibility as one of the world’s leading performance cycling brands”.

Vacansoleil-DCM team manager Daan Luijkx is excited to be together with Bianchi. “For us Bianchi is the best option for our long term strategy and we look forward to our winning  cooperation. With a history of 126 years,  we believe Bianchi will be  an incredible partner.  The Bianchi Oltre stands for high-technology, advanced product development and Italian design which support our goal to reach victories in WorldTour races. Both Vacansoleil-DCM and Bianchi are product driven with a global vision”.

Bianchi Technical suppliers: FSA, Vision, Fast Forward, Vredestein, Selle San Marco, Elite and KMC will also join the team.