O-STA

Roger Federer is the new ambassador for Maurice Lacroix

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http://www.presseportal.de/story.htx?nr=561702&firmaid=54346

Zurich/Basel, Switzerland (ots) - Roger Federer, currently worldwide number one in men's tennis, and Maurice Lacroix Swiss Watches signed a close partnership contract in Zurich. As the official ambassador, the Swiss tennis player will represent the watch brand around the world. Maurice Lacroix, one of the most successful rising players in the market for high-quality timepieces, is the exclusive watch partner and one of the official top sponsors for Roger Federer.

The five-year contract begins on June 1, 2004. Maurice Lacroix will integrate Roger Federer intensively in its international communications. Advertising, point of sales brand presence as well as important public relations work will have primary roles. In addition, special Roger Federer watch models and events including personal appearances by the tennis star are planned.

The actual start of the partnership will be a launch event at the Suisse Open in Gstaad at the beginning of July 2004, where both contract partners will be present and detailed information provided. Marc Gläser, Marketing Director International Maurice Lacroix, explained: "We are convinced that our brand awareness will increase considerably on an international level with Roger Federer as our ambassador. Roger Federer and Maurice Lacroix have many things in common which made this strategic partnership logical for everyone. Both are young, rapidly rising Swiss 'brands' and both stand for great precision as well as aesthetics." It is also important for Roger Federer that he can identify with the watches and brand values of Maurice Lacroix. "Maurice Lacroix is a young, dynamic and ambitious company strongly anchored in the traditions of the Swiss watch industry which makes top-quality timepieces with a passion for detail. These values are a perfect fit for me. I am really looking forward to working with Maurice Lacroix."

Maurice Lacroix

Maurice Lacroix is one of the few independent Swiss watch manufacturers and is one of the most successful brands of the watch industry, both nationally and internationally. Since 1975, Maurice Lacroix watches have been manufactured in the company's own state-of-the-art workshops in Saignelégier (Switzerland). Today, timepieces by Maurice Lacroix are available at more than 4,000 selected points of sale in more than 45 countries. In spite of rapid changes within the company during the last 30 years, one thing has always remained the same: an awareness of a long watchmaking tradition, skilled craftsmanship and passion, as well as a love for design, perfection, and exclusive materials.

For further information of Maurice Lacroix:

www.mauricelacroix.com / Press / Database / User name: mlx-media, Password: media-access

Roger Federer

Born: August 8, 1981

Birthplace: Basel, Switzerland

Residence: Oberwil, Switzerland

Turned professional: 1998

ATP Entry Ranking: 1

ATP 2004 Race Ranking: 1

2004 results: 4 tournament wins;

32 match wins,

3 match losses

Grand Slam titles: Wimbledon 2003,

Australian Open 2004

Masters title: Houston 2003

Total tournament wins: 15

For further information of Roger Federer: www.rogerfederer.com, www.atptennis.com

Contact Maurice Lacroix, Zurich

Gabriela von Malaisé, PR Manager International

Phone +41 79 459 92 82

Email: gabriela.malaise@mauricelacroix.com

Contact Roger Federer Management

Bernhard Christen

Mobile +41 79 606 77 85

Email: bchristen@crplaw.ch

Contact Maurice Lacroix, Roland Garros

Claudia Staber, Marketing Manager International

Mobile +41 79 507 22 16