For Immediate Release: 1st November 2004
CLIPPER VENTURES ANNOUNCES NEW 5-OCEANS ALLIANCE
Clipper Ventures plc, the AIM quoted marine sports company, today announces
the signing of a marketing alliance with Global Sportnet, (GSN), the WPP
owned sports marketing agency.
This alliance will result in a combined targeted revenue of US$5.5 million
for the 2006 5-Oceans Round the World Yacht Race and the formation of a race
management board to manage and market the 5-Oceans solo grand prix.
The deal will cover the next two events, which are due to be run in 2006 and
2010 respectively, and GSN will be exclusively responsible for the marketing
of the broadcast and sponsorship rights to these races on a worldwide basis.
5-Oceans was recently acquired by Clipper Ventures Plc and has contributed
more than £0.4m revenues in the financial year ending April 2003 and the
Board is hopeful that the GSN partnership will assist in increasing this
contribution in future years.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, Chairman and
the first man to sail solo non-stop around the World, said: “5-Oceans will
celebrate its 25th anniversary in the 2006/7 race. The new Grand Prix
format, coupled with the GSN’s marketing firepower, will make it the most
successful edition yet. The notice of race has been published and interest
from syndicates is at an all time high. Our partnership with GSN will help
further develop 5-Ocean’s commercial potential to bring it to the fore of
both the yachting and sporting calendars.”
William Ward, CEO of Clipper Ventures, added: “This alliance demonstrates
that Clipper Ventures is truly considered to be at the forefront of global
yachting events and is indicative of the potential sponsorship value of our
events.”
Thomas Martens, CEO of Global Sportnet, said: “Sailing is a growth sport and
we love the heritage of the 5-Oceans and the modern vision that Sir Robin
has for its future. Our relationships with the World’s broadcaster networks
will deliver significant TV exposure to sponsors and cities backing the
race. We also look forward to breaking new ground by delivering the action
to a whole new fan base through our pioneering broadband TV platform. Solo
round the World yacht racing is the ultimate test of man and machine; it is
an utterly compelling proposition.”
ENDS
1st, November 2004
FURTHER INFORMATION & RIGHTS-FREE IMAGES:
Loretta Spridgeon
head of Media & Public Relations
CLIPPER VENTURES PLC
Tel: +44 (0) 23 8023 7088
Fax: +44 (0) 23 8023 7081
Mobile: +44 (0) 7773 818586
Email: lspridgeon@clipper-ventures.com
Website: www.clipper-ventures.com
5-OCEANS ADVISORY BOARD: David Stubley, CEO Performance; Sir Robin
Knox-Johnston, Chairman Clipper Ventures; Mike Golding, Winner 2004 Transat;
Bernard Stamm, Winner 2002/3 5-Oceans (Class 1); Brad Van Liew, Winner
2002/3 5-Oceans (Class 2); Andrew Pindar, Group Chairman Pindar; and Andrew
Preece, Director APP Broadcast.
|
