London, 3 December 2001: Chelsea Village, the company that owns one of the FA Barclaycard Premiership’s leading teams – Chelsea Football Club – has appointed the Copyright Promotions Licensing Group (CPLG) as its exclusive worldwide licensing agency. Working closely with Chelsea’s in-house merchandise team, CPLG will be handling all of Chelsea Football Club ‘s extensive licensing and merchandising activities.
CPLG’s Sports Division will set about building a select licensing and merchandising programme for Chelsea focusing on establishing key partners in each core product category. The programme will cover all product areas including apparel, accessories, toys, gifts, food, publishing and promotions. The licensable marks available for use by licensees and retailers will include the Chelsea Football Club name and ‘CFC’ crest as well as the club mascot Stamford the Lion.
CPLG secured the appointment primarily by virtue of its sports licensing track record. The company already represents some of the biggest sports brands in the world including 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/JapanTM, the England Rugby Football Union, the England & Wales Cricket Board and the Tennis Masters Series.
Commenting on CPLG’s appointment, Richard Milham, General Manager of Chelsea Village Merchandising, said: ‘We are pleased to be working with CPLG. Their practical experience of the sports licensing scene in Europe and beyond and their specialist knowledge of specific product, promotional and retail sectors will be key in developing the breadth of the Chelsea brand to both new and established target audiences.’
Chris Protheroe, CPLG’s Director of Sports, commented: ‘At CPLG we aim to represent select sports rights that include major global sports brands and events. Chelsea Football Club is precisely the kind of globally recognised bluechip sports brand that our specialist licensing expertise is suited to assist. We are confident that our sports licensing strategy will secure the best selected licensed, manufacturing and retail partners and continue to add value to the Chelsea brand’.
Further Enquiries:
Italo Cerullo, CPLG
+44 (0)20 8563 6400
e-mail: icerullo@cplg.com