The world’s largest producer of traditional Swiss watches extends its long-term commitment to ice hockey for a further three years

Zug / Le Locle, Switzerland, 6 July 2011 – Tissot and Infront Sports & Media, media and marketing partner of the IIHF, have extended their long-term sponsorship agreement for the IIHF World Championship. Tissot is prolonging its involvement as Official Timekeeper and Sponsor for the 2012-2014 editions of the tournament. The contract also includes a continuation of Tissot’s role as Official Team Sponsor of the Swiss National Team during the IIHF World Championship.

Successful partnership since 1996
Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch producer and distributor based in Switzerland and has been an Official Sponsor of the IIHF World Championship since 1996. The prolonged agreement provides the company with a comprehensive package of rights, such as perimeter board advertising in prime camera view, hospitality and promotional opportunities in and around the arenas.

These include the Best Player Award – a Tissot watch, which is given to the best player of each team in a ceremony following the final eight games. As Official Timekeeper, Tissot will also have its logo inserted in the on-screen TV graphics that are transmitted around the world. As Official Team Sponsor of the Swiss National Team, the players’ shirts and helmets will feature the logo of the popular Swiss watch brand during the IIHF World Championship. These team sponsorship rights are also centrally marketed by Infront.

"Every single year, the IIHF and Infront deliver a tournament of the highest international standard, sharing the thrills of ice hockey with fans around the world. For us, this is the decisive reason to stay on board and further strengthen the link we have successfully established throughout the last 16 years", said François Thiébaud, President of Tissot. "The IIHF World Championship will continue to be a cornerstone in Tissot’s sponsorship portfolio, in particular as ice hockey is most popular in many markets that other sports find difficult to reach to the same extent – such as Russia, Canada, Scandinavia and Switzerland. Along with its broad demographic appeal, the IIHF World Championship is a highly efficient platform for our international communication purposes."

Unparalleled sponsor commitment 
"The IIHF World Championship is characterised by impressive continuity in sponsor commitment – with Tissot’s prolongation being the most recent example. Long-term partnerships build the foundation for future development and they also confirm the successful performance of past tournaments," said Bruno Marty, Infront’s Executive Director Winter Sports. "The next three years will bring Tissot extensive brand exposure in the arena and on television worldwide. The Tissot Best Player Award is now established and keenly anticipated by players and fans – it’s a great example of successful sponsorship activation and will further strengthen the connection between the brand and consumers."

Tissot will be part of a strong sponsor line-up for the annual IIHF World Championship, including Official Main Sponsor Škoda which also recently prolonged its involvement through to 2017.

The 2012/13 events, to be staged in Finland and Sweden respectively, will ensure high levels of exposure and leverage in markets that are key to sponsors. They will be followed by the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Belarus, providing valuable access to another growth region in Eastern Europe.

The role of Infront Sports & Media
Infront is the exclusive commercial partner to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) – a role it has occupied since 1981 - and handles media and marketing rights for the IIHF World Championship and Division 1. This long term relationship enables all previous experiences to be carried forward to support the local organising committees for each event. The group has been introducing innovations and improvements to its services on a consistent basis, including host broadcast production, a dedicated online broadcast service, B2B client servicing, graphic design and VIP hospitality.
 
About Tissot
Tissot, ‘Innovators by Tradition’, have represented craftsmanship and innovation since their foundation in 1853. Today Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch producer and distributor. The company has its home in the Swiss watch-making town of Le Locle in the Jura Mountains, but it has grown tremendously to have a presence in over 160 countries. In addition to the partnership with the IIHF, Tissot is also involved with FIBA, AFL, CBA, MotoGP, the World Championships of cycling and fencing as well as the FIM Superbike World Championship, another Infront-marketed competition.


For further information, please contact:

Jörg Polzer / Nike Möhle
Corporate Communications
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
press infrontsports.com
www.infrontsports.com

Annja Maerki
International PR and Communication
Deputy Manager
Tissot S.A.
Tel. +41-32-933 34 72
Fax +41-32-933 33 17
Annja.Maerki tissot.ch
www.tissot.ch