Paris, 3 October 2006 - FedEx Express, the world’s largest express transportation company, and ERC, the organiser of rugby’s Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup, have signed an official sponsorship agreement for a period of three years. The agreement, signed today in Brussels, takes immediate effect for the 2006 / 2007 season, with FedEx becoming a Premium Partner of the Heineken Cup and European Challenge Cup tournaments. The annual Heineken Cup features 24 elite club teams from England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales competing for the title of “Champions of Europe”.
Under the sponsorship agreement FedEx becomes the Official Courier to ERC, delivering all match-day tickets and ERC logistics. The famous FedEx logo will be displayed prominently at stadiums across Europe, as well as appearing on the bibs of the “FedEx Ball Boys” delivering the match balls at each game. FedEx initially became a sponsor to the Heineken Cup for the knock-out stages of the 2005/2006 tournament and this new sponsorship deal reflects the company’s belief that the tournament’s continued growth and popularity makes the Heineken Cup one of the premier European sports properties.
Robert W Elliott, president of FedEx Express, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Indian subcontinent, said: “This agreement enables FedEx to be associated with two of Europe and Rugby’s most prestigious club competitions. Participants of both Cups perfectly mirror our company’s core values of speed, reliability and teamwork.”
Jean-Pierre Lux, ERC Chairman said: “FedEx is truly a global brand and we are delighted to welcome them as a Premium Partner to our tournaments. The Heineken Cup continues to show significant growth across all our core markets. The year-on-year growth in attendances, combined with our strong pan- European broadcast platform offers brands invaluable exposure in key markets across Europe.”
The 12th Heineken Cup begins on Friday 20 October 2006 with 12 games in Round 1. The London ’07 Heineken Cup final will be held on Sunday 20 May 2007 at the Twickenham Stadium, London. The 11th European Challenge Cup featuring 20 teams from seven countries begins on the same weekend in October with the final scheduled for the weekend of 18 / 19 / 20 May 2007.
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.