London, UK; 5 November 2003: – Octagon Marketing today confirmed that they have been appointed by MasterCard Europe to manage their European sales promotion activity for the UEFA Champions League 2003/04. This new role builds on Octagon’s existing consultancy work for MasterCard for their sponsorship of European football’s (soccer) elite club tournament in addition to the FIFA World Cup™ and EURO 2004™.

Patrick Siméons, Vice-President Sponsorship, MasterCard Europe,
commented: ‘Octagon Marketing presented an innovative and compelling promotion to drive card usage and acquisition with our European partner banks. Their experience in football(soccer) and outstanding marketing support over the years will now help us deliver our biggest and most exciting UEFA Champions League sales promotion to date.’

The promotion is being rolled out to member banks across Europe ready for implementation in early 2004. Octagon will continue to support and manage the promotion throughout the season including its climax around the UEFA Champions League Final 2004 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

Aidan Day, Managing Director, Octagon Marketing, said: ‘I am delighted that we have extended our partnership with MasterCard to include sales promotion for the UEFA Champions League. Our dedicated football (soccer) unit have demonstrated once again our insight and expertise in football to deliver a highly relevant and unique MasterCard sales promotion.’

For more details contact:

Ruth Wicks, Tel: +44 (0)7900 246 586