Zug, Switzerland, 7 December 2005 – Infront Sports & Media and the Swiss Ice Hockey Association (SIHA) have agreed a strategic co-operation in respect of the organisation of the 2009 IIHF World Championship Switzerland. This agreement leads to the establishment of a jointly owned and managed company based in Zug. The "Organizing Committee 2009 IIHF World Championship AG" will be the official organising committee for the event.
 
The company has been in discussion with the SIHA for some months, with the objective of creating a joint-venture that will allow the experience of previous IIHF World Championships to be carried forward.
 
"The joint know-how of SIHA and Infront provides strong foundations to be able to meet the expectations for successful operations of the Ice Hockey World Championships. I look very much forward to this challenging venture", said SIHA President Fredy Egli.
 
Infront is the exclusive commercial partner of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and its premiere event, the IIHF World Championship, for television distribution and marketing until 2011.
 
Oscar Frei, CEO of Infront added: "The Swiss Ice Hockey Association and Infront's stated goals are to stage a premium IIHF World Championship. Our aim is to organise a first class event in Switzerland and to further the growth and development of ice hockey."
 
SIHA was appointed by IIHF in 2004 to host the 2009 IIHF World Championship in Switzerland.
 
For further information, please contact:
Jörg Polzer
Infront Sports & Media AG
Tel. +41-41-723 15 15
Fax +41-41-723 15 16
info@infrontsports.com