United dials up Indian deal
MANCHESTER United today added to its stable of overseas partners as it announced a five-year deal with Indian telecoms firm Bharti Airtel.
This partnership, reportedly worth £2m a year, will enable Airtel’s 100 million customers across India, Sri Lanka and the Seychelles to get exclusive access to United content on their mobile phones.
In addition, Airtel users will get opportunities to participate in training sessions with Manchester United Soccer Schools coaches, to attend matches at Old Trafford and travel into Europe with United to UEFA Champions League games.
The announcement was made today at Old Trafford by Sanjay Kapoor, deputy CEO, Bharti Airtel in the presence of United chief executive David Gill, Richard Arnold, director of commercial), Sir Alex Ferguson and players Darren Fletcher, Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
Mr Kapoor said: “We are very excited to partner with Manchester United, a powerful global brand with huge following across the world and in India.”
Mr Gill, who did not disclose the terms of said: “This partnership demonstrates the enduring strength of the club internationally. We are very proud to have Bharti Airtel as the first Indian company to partner with United.
“This major partnership will bring the action and the passion of United directly to the millions of our fans across India and other Asian countries.”
The club recently approached Indian giant Tata Group as a possible shirt sponsor.
Current sponsor, troubled US insurer AIG will not renew its contract beyond the end of next season.
