Slazenger the leading squash racquet brand and SquashTalk.com, the most heavily trafficked internet squash site, announced the creation of a global alliance today.
The alliance aims to leverage the power of the internet for the world wide promotion of the sport of squash as well as the growth of the Slazenger brand.
‘Slazenger recognises the rapidly emerging importance of the internet for all business-to-consumer transactions and intends to lead the market in its use’, said Paul Walters, International Marketing Manager for Slazenger Squash.
‘SquashTalk has rapidly emerged as the highest quality and most creative of the squash web sites, eclipsing print magazines with its ability to present in depth coverage of the sport. We look forward to working together to build the most useable web portal to squash players worldwide. 2000 will see Slazenger make great strides internationally as a leading performance squash racquet brand.
Our aim is to have a strong presence in all key squash markets, not only with the best products, but also supported by endorsements from the best professional players in each key country. We will be seeking to establish a strong national identity in each major squash-playing country to drive sales to new levels all of which will signal a major global share growth for the brand. Our partnership with SquashTALK.com is a logical extension of our aggressive investment in squash at all levels.’
The first tangible result of the alliance will be a junior development program by Slazenger aimed at the US collegiate and high school teams. (for more information go to http://www.squashtalk.com/slazengerjuniorsquash ) ‘SquashTalk has pursued a strategy of focus on the worldwide junior squash and worldwide women’s squash markets, in addition to the traditional men’s squash coverage’, said Ron Beck, CEO and founder of Squashtalk.com. ‘Slazenger shares our vision for providing the highest quality, in depth coverage of the sport and we look forward to complementing Slazenger’s already strong marketing efforts in the sport worldwide.’
The Slazenger and SquashTalk.com alliance represents a growing trend in the internet commerce arena. Combining content providers such as SquashTalk.com with leading brands such as Slazenger to draw internet traffic is a promising vertical specialisation of internet commerce. ‘The market demands that we move forward fast’, commented Walters, ‘By combining with SquashTalk we feel that we can continue to occupy a leading position in the market’.
Slazenger and SquashTalk.com will be developing specific elements of the partnership over the next few months, with a full roll-out anticipated by the end of the year’.
Slazenger is a worldwide leader in sports equipment, with product lines spanning Squash, Golf, Tennis, and Cricket, and is poised to grow its share in all leading squash markets in 2000 as a result of a major brand re-launch supported by increased investment in product design and international player endorsement.
Simon Parke, Slazenger’s leading international player was equally enthusiastic about his sponsors latest announcement: ‘Since joining Slazenger in 1997 I have achieved my highest world ranking, established myself as English #1 and won the British Championship and US Open It is exciting being part of a brand that is as ambitious as I am. Everyone recognises the increasing importance of the internet, and I am confident that Slazenger and SquashTALK.com will prove to be an unbeatable partnership.’
SquashTalk (http://www.squashtalk.com) is a fifteen month old internet start-up serving the sport of squash. SquashTalk.com provides global content, and an exhaustive internet directory of squash web sites. SquashTalk.com is the market leader in internet views for squash, with strong six figure monthly viewing rates.
For further information contact:
Squashtalk:
Ron Beck
T:+1 978 771 5888
e: ronbeck@squashtalk.com
Ron Beck, Publisher
SquashTalk.com
ronbeck@squashtalk.com
t:+1 617 9664209
f:+1 978-371-3953
95 Martha’s Point Rd.
Concord MA 01742