Manchester United, Chevrolet Announce Massive Shirt Sponsorship Agreement

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Jul 31, 2012

Manchester United, Chevrolet Announce Massive Shirt Sponsorship AgreementManchester United and General Motors have inked a seven-year, £175 million (about $275 million) agreement that will see Chevrolet branding replace Aon on the front of the club's jerseys starting in the 2014-15 season.

G.M's offer of £25 million (almost $40 million) per year is a full £5 million (about $7.8 million) more than United's current deal with Aon. It will allow Chevrolet to become the club's official shirt sponsor and unofficial best friend, according to the Mail.

"This is a fantastic, long-term deal for the club," said United's commercial director Richard Arnold.

"We have been partners with Chevrolet for only six weeks, but already they have produced some fantastic ideas that will benefit both the partnership and our 659 million followers around the world.

"They are a key partner on our current tour and I know they have enjoyed experiencing the buzz generated by our fanatical support and the sell-out crowds in South Africa, China, and Europe.

"It is a great thrill for those of us who work with partners all year round when an existing partner steps up to being one of our principal partners. This commitment to United and its fans will bring real benefits to everyone who cares about the club."

Meanwhile, Chevrolet is more than happy to be the "Buzz Lightyear" to Aon's "Woody."

"We are extremely proud to connect our brand, Chevrolet, with Manchester United and its passionate supporters all around the world," said General Motors' North America Vice President of US Sales and Service, Alan Batey.

"Manchester United's statistics are impressive, but this relationship goes far beyond the numbers –- this relationship is about connecting our brand with the deep-seated emotion that surrounds the team everywhere it goes."

United's deal with Chevrolet comes amidst a whirlwind of commercial activity for the club.

Last week United announced an action-figure licensing deal. However, the big news is that the club is ready to move forward with its long-awaited initial public offering (IPO) that could ease the weight of the club's mountainous debt accrued in the Glazer family's leveraged takeover in 2005.

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