(Tytherington, Cheshire, March 4 2004) The Ladies European Tour announced today that they have agreed a four-year-deal with Italian sports and leisurewear manufacturer Robe di Kappa to become the title sponsor of the Ladies European Tour.
Europe’s premier women’s golf circuit will now be known as the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour.
The agreement will run for four years from 2004 and Robe di Kappa will not only become the title sponsor to the Tour, but also the official leisurewear and waterproof suppliers to both the Tour and the European Solheim Cup team in 2005.
Ian Randell, the Chief Executive of the Robe di Kappa Ladies European Tour was proud to announce the new agreement:
‘I’d like to welcome Robe di Kappa to our growing family of supporters as they expand their outlook into golf from their various other interests in the world of sport,’ said Randell.
‘This has once again highlighted the growth and buoyancy of women’s golf in Europe. The fact that major international companies have continued to show commitment to the Tour is an extremely positive sign as we head forward.
‘We thank Parallel Media Group, our Commercial Representatives, for introducing Robe di Kappa to ladies’ professional golf following their successful relationship with them via the F.I.R (The Italian Rugby Union). This is testament to the value that the recent agreement with Parallel Media Group brings to the Tour.
‘Robe di Kappa will help us develop our brand in the marketplace, through a positive association, and the creation of Tour wide merchandising.
‘The Tour’s merchandise will be available throughout more than 3000 Robe di Kappa outlets around the world, giving the Tour a firm platform from which to promote its own range of merchandise.
‘After the wonderful relationship we have enjoyed with Evian in assisting the Tour’s development over the past four years, we were delighted to be able to replace them with another major international organisation.’
Marco Boglione chairman of BasicNet S.p.A. the Turin Group listed on the Milan Stock Exchange since 1999, the owner of the Robe di Kappa trademark, said:
‘Our affiliation with the Ladies European Tour reinforces Robe di Kappa’s commitment to golf and perfectly fits with our brand values of innovation and style. We are genuinely excited about the future prospects of the Tour and look forward to a successful partnership. Together with the technical sponsorship of the Italian Golf Federation and the 61st Telecom Italia Open, the association with the Ladies European Tour will consolidate our position in the world of golf’
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
MARTIN PARK, LET COMMUNICATIONS on +44 (0)7971 986855
MAURIZIO VITALE, BASIC-PRESS on +39011 2617214 www.basicpress.com