By Andrew Warshaw
July 2 – Manchester United have announced yet another new sponsor – specifically to co-incide with their pre-season tour of Thailand. United, who won their 20th English league title in May, have struck a three-year deal with Thai telecommunications group True Corporation Plc though no figure has been made public on the agreement.
The True Group becomes United’s official mobile partner and club broadcaster for Thailand, reflecting the massive following the club has in the country, and in Asia as a whole.
“When considering our partners, the club likes to ensure the company in question shares many of the same attributes that have allowed us to grow into the world’s most recognised team,” United group managing director Richard Arnold told the club’s official website
“True is a company that demonstrated many admirable qualities, itself crediting courage and the ability to take on new challenges as the key to its success.
“Since forming in 1990 it has continued to grow with the fast-paced telecommunications industry to become one of the best in its territory, proudly being the first to embrace many new technologies.
“Our new partnership is set to follow suit and provide our 20 million loyal and passionate Thai followers with exclusive content and footage, bringing them closer to the club they love.”
In May, United reported a 52.2 % increase in sponsorship revenue as they continue to dwarf almost all their rivals across the globe. In April, United signed an eight-year deal with insurance company Aon – a move which saw the firm sponsor the club’s Carrington training ground as well as its training kit for a reported $23m.
Last year alone, United increased its value by 42 % to $3.17 billion, according to Forbes business magazine, with only Real Madrid and Barcelona worth more. Roughly half the club’s 659 million fan base is reported to be based in Asia.
United are travelling to the Far East and Australia this month with its opening game in Bangkok against the Singha All Stars – a contest for which True Group will act as an associate sponsor.
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