Epson backs Manchester United

TOKYO – Epson has signed a global sponsorship agreement to become the official office equipment partner to Manchester United, one of the world’s most famous football clubs.

The agreement, which is effective immediately, sees Epson, one of the leading manufacturers of printers, projectors and scanners worldwide, supply Manchester United with its equipment throughout Old Trafford.

The deal will see Epson align its brand with the world-class club and raise its profile in Europe and globally where the club is followed.

The partnership was launched at Old Trafford on Nov. 26, with Mancherster United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, chief executive David Gill and the entire first team squad gracing the event.

“The partnership with Manchester United aligns Epson with an exciting and globally recognized brand, bringing us closer to our customers worldwide,” said Minoru Usui, Epson’s Global President.

“Leading the way through constant creativity and innovation both brands share a commitment to achieving the highest standards. Our vision to excite and inspire customers is represented by Manchester United’s success on the pitch and the unique printer and projector technologies for which Epson is renowned,” he added.

Epson expects the agreement to allow the brand the get closer to its customers and their passions. The company said it believes in giving something back to the communities in which it operates and that there are strong synergies with Manchester United, which also has a strong community spirit and is well-known for its local community programs.

“We are obviously delighted to have Epson as one of our commercial partners with immediate effect and are looking forward to developing an exciting communications program that helps us both achieve our business goals. Epson is a superb global brand, that sits perfectly alongside our existing partners,” said Manchester United’s Gill.