Paris - June 13, 2006 - FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company, and the French Tennis Federation, have today announced the renewal of their official sponsorship agreement for a period of five years. Originally signed in 2002, this agreement makes FedEx one of the main Official Sponsors of the French Tennis Open at Roland Garros until 2011.
FedEx receives a number of benefits under the agreement including – displaying its famous logo on the main courts, carrier rights for all Roland Garros products sold through the French Open website, and a corporate hospitality area for customers and partners.
The partnership has proved to be a lucrative one for FedEx, allowing it to reach an audience of millions around the world. In 2005 the cumulative audience for the French Open was 502.5 million people, including 350 million people in Europe (160 million in France), 112 million in Asia and 25 million in the Americas.
“This agreement enables FedEx to be associated with one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events, and one which supports FedEx’s core attributes - precision, anticipation, speed and service,” said Robert W. Elliott, President of FedEx Express Europe, Middle East, Africa and Indian subcontinent.
“Our support of the French Open Tennis Tournament enables us to connect with a global audience. In 2005 the event was broadcast to 195 countries over a period of 15 days reaching a total of 502.5 million people, and achieved FedEx brand exposure for 193 hours,” added Robert W. Elliott.
FedEx has benefited from the French Tennis Federation’s new marketing strategy, which has reduced the number of its sponsors from 18 to 10 (9 official sponsors and one official partner) over a five-year period, thereby increasing the visibility of its main partners, and delivering even greater returns for FedEx.
“We are extremely honoured by this continued partnership between the French Tennis Federation and FedEx. FedEx is indeed one of the French Tennis Open’s major partners. The company’s demand and expertise, internationally renown, meet perfectly with Roland Garros philosophy of excellence.”, declares Christian Bîmes, President of the French Tennis Federation.
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, usually in one to two business days with the delivery time guaranteed.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $32 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 260,000 employees and contractors to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit fedex.com.