London Wasps has announced EMC as their new Club Sponsor, signing the most lucrative commercial partnership in Wasps' history with a £1 Million, two year deal.
In monetary terms the agreement bucks the current trend seen in the economic climate across all areas of the sponsorship industry, highlighting the strength of each other's brands.
Having worked in partnership for the last two seasons, with EMC listed as an Official Partner, both parties have identified shared values and cornerstone principles; standing as leaders in their fields and as organisations fuelled by ambition and desire for continued and enhanced success. This in turn provides a solid platform of unity and strength from which to develop this hugely exciting partnership.
Speaking on the news, London Wasps Executive Chairman, Mark Rigby said, "London Wasps are delighted to confirm EMC as their Club Sponsor ahead of a season that marks powerful intent both on and off the pitch. Partnering with a hugely impressive global brand for the next two seasons, today's announcement not only stands as a marker for our future but also our history, securing our highest ever value commercial partnership through the £1million agreement. Given the current financial climate, this undoubtedly shows a combined strength of two brands that not only have reciprocal commercial appeal but whose values come together so robustly.
"EMC's expertise provides us with a fantastic opportunity to look closely at how we use information and how we can really unlock, even more significantly, the value of our business and the information that we hold. In turn we hope that this will impact our supporters and increase their interaction and enjoyment with the Club."
Similarly delighted by the partnership, Adrian McDonald, Vice-President and General Manager, EMC UK & Ireland said, "EMC is excited to build on its long-standing partnership with London Wasps, a high-profile, internationally renowned rugby club with a long and celebrated history. Our shared values of leadership, teamwork and passion for excellence make EMC and London Wasps truly "premiership partners" with tremendous potential for growth and achievement.
"Our relationship with London Wasps provides an exceptional platform for EMC to further develop our brand and business relationships. Both in the UK and internationally, we see rugby continuing to grow, both in terms of support and media coverage, whilst also maintaining its traditionally strong following amongst our target audience of business managers and decision makers. With an outstanding track record of success, and very strong international representation, London Wasps are the clear partner of choice for a global market leader such as EMC. As we move into this next phase of our relationship with London Wasps, our ambition is to explore together the possibilities for improving the Club experience for fans, players, coaches, staff and business partners via a more effective and innovative use of information.
"We at EMC are looking forward to being an integral part of this winning Club ahead of what promises to be a hugely exciting season."
With confirmation of EMC as new Club Sponsor a revitalised and fresh looking Wasps, made up of a new Owner, Board, coaching team and squad, add yet another exciting dimension to their 2009/10 campaign. Speaking on the news of the partnership Director of Rugby, Tony Hanks, was quick to point out the impact of signing such a renowned global brand to those on pitch.
"It's given a real boost to the team having a very significant and global name on the front of the shirt. Players will wear that shirt with a lot of pride and EMC's presence becomes part of who we are. Having met with some of the key EMC staff this week we can see it is a good fit and what excites me is that you feel this is the start of a long standing partnership."
(Source: wasps.co.uk)
