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| Flanked by Emirates Cabin Crew, Arsenal announcing the new commercial partnership with Emirates. From left: Boutros Boutros (Emirates' Divisional Senior v/president Corporate Communications) and Ivan Gazidis (Arsenal's CEO) |
Emirates, one of the world’s fastest growing international airlines, and British Premier football club Arsenal have today announced a new £150 million deal that grants the airline a five-year extension to their shirt partnership with the London club until the end of the 2018/2019 season.
As well as being one of the biggest deals ever struck in the game, the agreement, worth £30 million a year for five years, extends and deepens one of the strongest and most recognisable partnerships in sport.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group said: “Arsenal’s strong appeal around the globe and ambitious approach to the game parallel our own approach to business, making them a valuable partner for our brand.
“We continue to see immeasurable value in our global sports sponsorships and our sponsorship with Arsenal is no different. The club has been an important enabler of the growth of our business over the last decade and we are confident this will continue as part of our extended deal.”
Sheikh Ahmed went on to say that the partnership remains a perfect combination of two truly global brands. “Through our global network and carefully selected sports sponsorships Emirates is able to unite and engage fans, and coupled with Arsenal’s world-wide fan following this makes for a strong match,” he added.
As part of the deal Arsenal’s home will continue to be known as Emirates Stadium up to 2028. The Emirates brand will also continue appearing on the front of Arsenal’s playing and training kits. The new agreement also contains a number of marketing rights, which come into effect immediately, to ensure Emirates can engage with Arsenal fans in the UK and abroad.
Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said that the agreement is a testimony to Arsenal’s approach and to the capabilities they have developed in recent years as well as the strength of their partnership with Emirates.
“The original deal with Emirates was a key facilitator of our move from Highbury and this next phase of our relationship will be just as critical to keep us at the top of the game in England and Europe,” he said.
Mr Gazidis said that the Emirates is the perfect partner for Arsenal. “The fact this partnership will continue for many years to come underlines how much both organisations value and benefit from the relationship.”
As part of the partnership agreement the Arsenal soccer school in Dubai, which launched in 2010, will also continue. Since the school opened over 4000 youngsters have trained there and are often visited during the term by Arsenal’s first team players.
Emirates first signed its sponsorship agreement with Arsenal in 2004, providing the airline with naming rights to the stadium until 2021 and a shirt sponsorship that began in the 2006/2007 season.
Aside from European football club sponsorships, Emirates is also an Official Partner of the FIFA World Cup, the Official Airline of a number of golf tournaments internationally and supports a range of high-profile horse racing, tennis, rugby, sailing and cricket events across the globe.
Culled from: http://www.tripolipost.com/articledetail.asp?c=3&i=9552
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