The EURO 2006 will have 1400 athletes from 49 countries participating in the Championships; around 2000 media representatives are accredited to cover the event. 65 000 000 TV spectators are expected to follow the competitions each day, 32 000 will assist at the Championships in the Ullevi stadium. As one of the main sponsors, PUMA will outfit a total of 3000 volunteers during the EURO 2006 week.

“PUMA has been strongly connected with athletics for many years, `Running´ being one of PUMAs core business segments. With our sponsorship, we will further enhance the brand’s visibility in this category and strengthen PUMAs position as one of the leading suppliers in athletics”, Ulf Kinneson, General Manager of PUMA Nordic AB.

Being one of the most attractive and biggest sporting events in Scandinavia since the 1995 Athletic World Championships also held in the Gothenburg stadium Ullevi, the EURO 2006 will achieve high brand visibility for PUMA. The sponsorship is part of an extensive marketing campaign which includes advertising and communication measures, as well as a wide array of entertainment activities. Furthermore, PUMA has launched a special EURO 2006 collection in the Swedish national colours yellow and blue.

PUMA and the Swedish Athletics Association intend to further strengthen their cooperation with the shared claim “Go Sweden” at this years Championship. “Our goal with Gothenburg is to make it our `own´ Gothenburg, entertaining guests and fans from around the world day and night”, adds Ulf Kinneson. PUMA will therefore focus most of the marketing activities on Gothenburg, the people visiting the city and the Ullevi arena during the EURO 2006 week.

PUMA will gain a high brand visibility by outfitting the national teams of World Cup Winner Italy, the host nations Austria and Switzerland as well as Poland and Czech Republic. PUMA expanded and strengthened its position as Number 3 of the leading football brands, increasing the number of teams from four at the European Championship 2004 in Portugal.

“We are looking forward to three exciting weeks, especially with PUMA’s unique positioning as the partner of both host nations and World Cup Winner Italy,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of PUMA.

The SQUADRA AZZURRA from Italy who won the World Cup in 2006 are one of the top bets in the upcoming tournament. The contract between PUMA and the Italian Football Federation has been signed in 2003 and was renewed in November 2005 beyond the Football World Cup in 2014.

PUMA is the sport-lifestyle brand with the longest heritage in motorsport, and its development of fire retardant technology has revolutionized driver racewear by dramatically reducing weight while maintaining the optimal performance of safety and comfort. PUMA will continue to supply Scuderia Ferrari with the latest technological innovations in team and racewear, enabling Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa to compete for the coveted Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships in one of the lightest and safest race suits in Formula One.

Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman of Ferrari S.p.A., said: “We have enjoyed a very successful relationship with PUMA over the past six years, and we are very happy that this will continue long term. Their commitment to product design, development and racewear technology is unrivalled in the industry, and they continue to impress us on all counts. Clearly licensed apparel and footwear is a key business area for us, and it could not be in better hands. We look forward to continue working with PUMA for many years to come.”

Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of PUMA AG, said: “We are delighted to continue and deepen our partnership with Ferrari. To extend a relationship with the most prestigious brand in the automotive industry and the most popular and successful team in Formula One is of great benefit to us both commercially and reputationally. The Ferrari licensed product development we have undertaken so far has been very successful, and the plans we have for the coming years are equally exciting. They are an ideal motorsport partner for us in every respect.”

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.