PUMA(R) Signs Italian National Soccer Team
Gli Azzurri Looks to Alternative Brand for Inspiration and Success
Herzogenaurach, Germany, December 6, 2002 - PUMA A.G. and the Federazione Italiana Giuco Calcio (F.I.G.C.) - the Italian Football Association - today announced an exclusive partnership that will see the global athletic company as the official supplier to all associated teams of the Italian FA.
PUMA(R), helped by its successful association with Seria A club S.S. Lazio, has built a strong foothold in the Italian market. These successes by PUMA's subsidiary, PUMA Italia S.R.L, have added to the global sales growth for 2002.
"This is the perfect match," explained Jochen Zeitz, Chairman and CEO of PUMA. "Joining forces with the Italian National Soccer Team gives PUMA the perfect platform to further showcase our creativity and alternative approach as a sportslifestyle brand. We are delighted to have such an exciting and momentous challenge on our cards."
"We are pleased that PUMA has chosen the Italian National Team as a partner and that they are putting trust in the Azzurri," said Franco Carraro, FIGC President. "The Federation considers the agreement to be extremely positive and the partnership confirms that Italian soccer has a worldwide impact. We sincerely hope that both parties, the FIGC and PUMA, will share this experience with mutual satisfaction, working together for the next 4 years."
The new agreement commences on January 1, 2003 and includes all on-field, sideline, training and representation apparel, accessories as well as a selection of footwear offerings. The Italian National Team looks to debut their new PUMA kit at an unconfirmed international friendly match on February 12, 2003. Italy's first competition match of 2003 will be at home against Finland on March 29th.
PUMA(R) is the global athletic brand that successfully fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA's unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sportlifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries. For further information please visit www.puma.com.
ots Original Text Service: PUMA
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