Global Sportlifestyle Brand Targets Expansion in Spain
PUMA® announced today it has entered a new multiple year partnership with Spanish La Liga club RCD Espanyol. Effective from the 1st July 2012, this new technical and licensing partnership will see PUMA provide official playing kits for all associated RCD Espanyol teams, including the Espanyol B Reserve team and all youth teams, as well as becoming the club’s official partner in relation to replica kits, fanwear and other merchandise.
The new RCD Espanyol home and away kits will launch in July 2012 alongside a full range of replica kits, fanwear and merchandise. Through the contractual term, PUMA will also hold the global license for all RCD Espanyol branded merchandise in the categories of footwear, apparel and accessories.
Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing for PUMA commented: “This new relationship with RCD Espanyol is another positive move for PUMA, as we are actively working to expand our brand presence in Spain. La Liga also is considerably important within the global football market and a key focus for PUMA as we continue to grow our performance sport category portfolio in line with our ‘Back on the Attack’ strategy. This partnership with RCD Espanyol is a further step in asserting our position as the clear number three football brand.”
PUMA Spain General Manager Javier Ortega said; “PUMA and RCD Espanyol have a similar brand ethos and share many of the same values. RCD Espanyol defines itself by the strength of emotion (La Força Dún) a sentiment also embodied within PUMA through our brand values of joy, enthusiasm and passion. We are excited about this new partnership and the prospects it holds. RCD Espanyol will be a prominent focus in our marketing activations for the 2012/13 season and beyond.”
Joan Collet, CEO of RCD Espanyol added, “PUMA will supply all our teams, including the juniors, womens and veterans, enabling Espanyol to strengthen the licensing and merchandising opportunities that can only come from working with a world leading brand. As a club, we are very proud to have formed this partnership with PUMA”.
August Newton, RCD Espanyol Marketing and Communication Vice President further stated, “There is a great satisfaction within the Board of Directors, led by President Ramon Condal, to have confirmed this partnership with PUMA. We are confident it will be very fruitful. The ‘Perico’ fans have always shown great appreciation for PUMA and will welcome PUMA into their home, the home of those with a passion for football.
