Everton toast new £12m Chang deal

EVERTON FC is toasting a three-year extension to its shirt sponsorship deal with Thai beer brand Chang.

The new contract, which was signed in Bangkok today is a club record and is worth more than £12m.

Chang’s sponsorship of Everton is now the longest in the Premier League, having begun at the start of the 2004/05 season.

Speaking from Bankok, Everton chief executive Robert Elstone said: “We are proud of what we have achieved in our time together and to have contributed to the development of young Thai footballers and the coaching infrastructure.

He added: “Chang have always been very supportive of Everton since we first signed with them in 2004 and have been extremely proactive in driving the partnership forward, helping Everton grow internationally, whilst we have assisted in supporting Chang in key markets around the world.

“We understand that in the modern sports sponsorship market it is vital to generate as much value as possible and together we believe that the Everton/Chang relationship will continue to provide a significant payback on the investment.”

Charlie Jitcharoongphorn, deputy managing director, Thai Beverage Marketing Co said: “Chang has been a major sponsor of Everton for seven consecutive seasons.  Over the course of these seven years, our partnership has been nothing short of truly fulfilling and rewarding.

“The Chang logo on the shirts of Everton players has successfully launched the brand into international fame and the partnership enables us to contribute to the development of Thai footballers in many ways.

“So, we have decided to extend our sponsorship contract with them for the 4th time, which will run well into 2014.”