Zug, Switzerland, 28 November 2007 - Konica Minolta has extended its partnership with the Men’s & Women’s European Handball Championships to become an Official Sponsor for the 2008 events. The sponsorship agreement covers the category of Printer/ Copying Machines. It was concluded with Infront Sports & Media, the exclusive commercial partner of the European Handball Federation (EHF) for its major biannual events.
As the event figures show, the European Handball Championships are a prospering international sports property. The combined cumulative audience for both the men’s and the women’s competition exceeded 1.2 billions in 2006, which a 40% increase from the 2004 to the 2006 event. Broadcast coverage was available in over 80 countries worldwide. The increased media attention will help Konica Minolta to carry the name of the brand to sports fans in Europe and all over the world and to share in the highly positive image of Handball.
The sponsorship package acquired by Konica Minolta includes floor advertising, hospitality packages, use of official event marks, integration of Konica Minolta in the tournament’s official print publications and on the official Event website of the EHF European Handball Championships - www.ehf-euro.com.
Providing printing and copying services
In addition, Konica Minolta will become the exclusive supplier for printing and copying machines to support the 2008 event by providing high end printing and copying solutions.
Carlos Baart, Manager Corporate Communications and Marketing Communications of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH, said: “We are glad to extend our long and productive partnership with the EHF. The involvement in the European Handball Championships is a perfect opportunity for us to further strengthen our involvement with team sports, helping to make the Konica Minolta brand well-known across the continent and in other key markets worldwide.”
Tor Lian, EHF President, added: "The European Handball Federation sets great importance on working with highly reputable partners on a long-term, rather than a short-term basis. The EHF European Handball Championships are the premium event of the EHF, which is why we are proud to have such market leaders, as Konica Minolta, connected to the EHF and the EHF Euro Events brand.”
Stephan Herth, Executive Director Summer Sports of Infront commented: “Infront has secured sponsorship for the European Handball Championships since the inception of the tournament. We are delighted that we can extend our productive relationship with Konica Minolta and continue to develop our working partnership in a truly long-term relationship on behalf of the EHF.”
The 2008 European Handball Championships will take place from 17-27 January 2008 in Norway, bringing together Europe’s best men’s handball teams. The line-up includes established handball countries from Scandinavia, as well as Germany, Spain, France and Russia, plus successful teams from smaller countries such as Croatia and Slovenia. The 2008 women’s tournament will take place in Macedonia from 04-14 December, where Norway, Russia, France, Germany, Hungary and Macedonia are qualified so far.
About Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe GmbH is a leading provider of image information products with operation centres and distributors in more than 25 European countries. The company provides document management and solution technologies, including colour printers, photocopiers, fax machines and other related office supplies. Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe is a subsidiary of Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.
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
Carlos Baart
Manager Corporate Communications and Marketing Communications
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe
Tel. +49-511-7404-0
carlos.baart@konicaminolta.eu
www.konicaminolta.eu
Sian Rowland
Corporate Communications Manager
European Handball Federation
Tel. +43-1-801 51 161
Fax +43-1-801 51 149
rowland@eurohandball.com
www.eurohandball.com
www.ehf-euro.com
