Investec extends Tri Nations deal and takes new naming rights for Super Rugby
International specialist bank and asset manager Investec has signed a deal to extend their existing sponsorship of the Investec Tri Nations in New Zealand for a further five years and to take the New Zealand naming rights for the world’s premier international provincial rugby competition, the expanded ‘Super Rugby’ competition, from 2011.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and Investec today announced the five year deal which sees the introduction of the renamed Investec Super Rugby competition next year and extends the bank’s naming rights with the Investec Tri Nations series for five years to 2015. Investec replaces Rebel Sport as the title sponsorship of the Super Rugby competition.
NZRU acting Chief Executive Neil Sorensen said today’s announcement showed the strength of the New Zealand rugby brand, and he welcomed Investec’s further commitment to the world of rugby.
“We’re delighted to be extending our relationship with Investec. They are an important supporter of rugby worldwide and it has been great to be able to build on our initial two-year partnership of the Investec Tri Nations. With this investment they become one of our most important partners, and it’s exciting to be moving forward with them,” he said.
Investec Head of Marketing in South Africa Janet Larsen said that with the expanded competition and new conference model Super Rugby coming into play next year, followed by Argentina’s expected entry into the Tri Nations in 2012, the timing was right.
“We have avidly supported rugby internationally over a number of years. As rugby is aligned with our specialist banking focus, we intend to capitalise on this unique opportunity presented by the Super Rugby and Tri Nations tournaments to enhance our brand presence in our major markets in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia,” she said.
The deal with Investec was brokered by sports marketing specialists, Essentially.
ENDS
About Investec
Investec is an international specialist bank and asset manager that provides a diverse range of financial products and services to a niche client base in three principal markets, the United Kingdom, South Africa and Australia, as well as certain other countries. The group was established in 1974 and currently has approximately 6 100 permanent employees. Investec focuses on delivering distinctive products and services to its clients in six core areas of activity, namely Asset Management, Private Wealth, Property Activities, Private Banking, Capital Markets and Investment Banking. In July 2002 Investec implemented a dual listed company structure with listings on the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges.
About Essentially
Essentially is part of Chime Communications plc and is a leading sports marketing, media, management and services agency. The business is split into three divisions: sports marketing, comprising rights sales, consultancy and events management; athlete management; and professional services which includes tax, image rights and other related services. Strong and focused positioning in its core sports of expertise, including cricket and rugby union, provide a strategic platform for growth and market expertise.
Please note:
Claire Linton-Evans and Neil Sorensen will be available for questions at 9.30am tomorrow morning, Thursday 15 July, following the All Blacks media session at the Intercontinental.
For further information contact:
Juli Clausen
NZRU Media Manager
M: +64 (0) 275 707 045
E: juli.clausen@nzrugby.co.nz
Investec
Janet Larsen
Marketing (South Africa)
P: +27 (0)11 286 8181
E: jlarsen@investec.co.za
Claire Linton-Evans
Marketing (Australia)
P: +61 422 799 224
E: Claire.Linton-Evans@investec.com.au
Kevin Vandrau
Essentially
P: +44 20 7820 7003
E: kevin.vandrau@essentiallygroup.com
