Zug, Switzerland / Lustenau, Austria, 12 December 2008 - Infront Sports & Media has today announced the renaming and re-branding of its hospitality subsidiary as Infront Hospitality Management GmbH. The company was formerly known as Walch’s Event Hospitality GmbH, created as the result of Infront taking over the main business activities from Walch’s Event Catering in July 2007.

The name change formalises the end of a period of transition, which has been planned for some time.

 

On 1 October 2008, Josef Walch Jr. officially handed over the responsibility for the day to day operation of the hospitality business to Markus Knabe, the new Managing Director. Josef Walch jr. remains a member of the company’s steering committee.

 

Markus Knabe, who joined in 2007, has impressive experience in the event hospitality industry including a key role in the delivery of the hospitality project for the 2006 FIFA World Cup™.

 

Successful in the world of sports
During the last two years, the company has successfully carried out many major client projects, including hospitality projects for BMW Formula 1 Team, Moto GP series and the FIS World Cup finals in Bormio. It was also involved with UEFA EURO 2008 on behalf of the DFB; one of the national official suppliers in Austria and the public viewing events in Bregenz.

 

Next year will be important too, with a major role in the 2009 FIS World Alpine Skiing Championships in Val d’Isere and the 2009 IIHF World Championship in ice hockey, which takes place in Switzerland.

 

Infront has expanded rapidly through a series of acquisitions in 2006 and 2007 and the re-branding of these – including Walch’s as Infront Hospitality Management - is now a priority of the consolidation process. This process is helping Infront to develop synergies between the members of its network, so that all Infront companies can benefit from the resulting expertise. Infront will continue to use the Walch’s Event Hospitality brand and icon in certain situations and places.

 

Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront, said: “We believe that the Infront name is a strong, international brand in the world of sports marketing and there will be heightened awareness of our credentials as a service provider in the area of hospitality as a result of this change. We will continue to develop this important area of our business in the future.”

 

Thomas Lessenich, Director Sport Services, Infront, added: “We would all like to thank Josef Walch for his hard work and dedication during this transition and look forward to continuing our relationship with him in his new role as a member of the company’s steering committee.”

 

Josef Walch jr. added: “For me it was the right time to step back from the position as Managing Director after the successful integration in the Infront Group. I am confident, that the position of Infront Hospitality will be further strengthened through the re-branding and I am looking forward to continue the collaboration with our strong existing team.”

 

About Infront Hospitality Management
As part of the Infront Group, Austria-based Infront Hospitality Management (formerly Walch’s Event Hospitality) is an internationally recognised full-service hospitality operation for major sports events. The company has global network capabilities and provides clients with a range of hospitality options, from concept development to full implementation and management.

The client list of Walch’s Event Hospitality is an impressive one in the context of sport and includes BMW Sauber Formula One Team (Hospitality worldwide), Moto GP (VIP Catering Europe) and the Bregenz Festival & Festival Hall (Catering) among others. The company also provides services to events of the Infront portfolio, such as the IIHF World Championship – where it has been involved since the 2005 event – the Superbike World Championship and FIS Skiing events.

 

For further information, please contact:

Jörg Polzer
Manager, Communication & PR
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com