Havas is New European Rugby Cup Agency
European Rugby Cup Ltd has signed a new five-year commercial partnership agreement with the Paris-based sports marketing company, Havas Advertising Sports.
Havas Advertising Sports is a part of the Havas Advertising group, the fourth largest communications consultancy group in the world with operations in 80 countries.
Launched in June, 1999, Havas Advertising Sports has a projected turn over of 800 million francs in 2000 and has already established itself as one of Europe's leading sports marketing companies.
Their role with ERC Ltd will be to expand the commerical portfolio of both the Heineken Cup and European Shield and build the brand of the two tournaments throughout Europe and across the rugby playing world.
As well as developing an innovative marketing strategy for the competitions, Havas Advertising Sports will also provide event management for both the Heineken Cup and Shield.
Their appointment having been confirmed at the ERC Ltd board meeting in Dublin on Thursday, 14 September, Havas Advertising Sports will begin work immediately as preparations for the big kick-off in both the Heineken Cup and European Shield gain pace before 6 October.
Jean-Pierre Lux, chairman of ERC Ltd, said: 'Havas Advertising Sports displayed all the qualities we were looking for from our new commercial and event management partners and we are very excited by the plans they have for developing our brands.'
Derek McGrath, the chief executive of ERC Ltd, said: 'Like us, Havas Advertising Sports believe there is considerable room for growth in both the Heineken Cup and European Shield. Our joint vision is to deliver first-class event management to the 56 clubs in the two tournaments and generate as much money as possible to help those clubs reach their full otential.'
Havas Advertising Sports currently have a full-time staff of 200 and handle the marketing rights of a number of French rugby and football clubs, as well as representing AS Roma in Serie A.
They have a wide range of experience in hospitality and event management in France and are currently engaged as consultants to 350 major companies in France and Europe, including the Paris Olympic 2008 bid.
Laurent Thieule, chief executive of Havas Advertising Sports, said: 'This is a major step forward for Havas Advertising Sports and our goal is to design a rugby marketing programme that will enable the brand value of the tournaments to increase six fold over the next five years.
'The Heineken Cup is an international competition of tremendous commercial potential and we are looking forward to becoming a part of the team that can considerable enhance and develop it over the next five years.'
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Derek McGrath, chief executive,
ERC Ltd
00353 1 6769286
Laurent Thieule,
chief executive,
Havas Advertising Sports
0033 1 41275100
John Kennedy,
ERC Ltd Press Office
0044 (029) 20668268
Havas Advertising Sports is a part of the Havas Advertising group, the fourth largest communications consultancy group in the world with operations in 80 countries.
Launched in June, 1999, Havas Advertising Sports has a projected turn over of 800 million francs in 2000 and has already established itself as one of Europe's leading sports marketing companies.
Their role with ERC Ltd will be to expand the commerical portfolio of both the Heineken Cup and European Shield and build the brand of the two tournaments throughout Europe and across the rugby playing world.
As well as developing an innovative marketing strategy for the competitions, Havas Advertising Sports will also provide event management for both the Heineken Cup and Shield.
Their appointment having been confirmed at the ERC Ltd board meeting in Dublin on Thursday, 14 September, Havas Advertising Sports will begin work immediately as preparations for the big kick-off in both the Heineken Cup and European Shield gain pace before 6 October.
Jean-Pierre Lux, chairman of ERC Ltd, said: 'Havas Advertising Sports displayed all the qualities we were looking for from our new commercial and event management partners and we are very excited by the plans they have for developing our brands.'
Derek McGrath, the chief executive of ERC Ltd, said: 'Like us, Havas Advertising Sports believe there is considerable room for growth in both the Heineken Cup and European Shield. Our joint vision is to deliver first-class event management to the 56 clubs in the two tournaments and generate as much money as possible to help those clubs reach their full otential.'
Havas Advertising Sports currently have a full-time staff of 200 and handle the marketing rights of a number of French rugby and football clubs, as well as representing AS Roma in Serie A.
They have a wide range of experience in hospitality and event management in France and are currently engaged as consultants to 350 major companies in France and Europe, including the Paris Olympic 2008 bid.
Laurent Thieule, chief executive of Havas Advertising Sports, said: 'This is a major step forward for Havas Advertising Sports and our goal is to design a rugby marketing programme that will enable the brand value of the tournaments to increase six fold over the next five years.
'The Heineken Cup is an international competition of tremendous commercial potential and we are looking forward to becoming a part of the team that can considerable enhance and develop it over the next five years.'
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Derek McGrath, chief executive,
ERC Ltd
00353 1 6769286
Laurent Thieule,
chief executive,
Havas Advertising Sports
0033 1 41275100
John Kennedy,
ERC Ltd Press Office
0044 (029) 20668268