Aon clinches Man Utd sponsorship deal

Manchester United has announced that it has reached a significant global partnership and principal sponsorship agreement with Aon Corporation, to take effect from the start of the 2010/11 season.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, the Aon brand will feature on the Manchester United shirt for four years.

Terms of the partnership were not announced. However it is believed the deal is worth £20m-per-season, making it the most lucrative shirt sponsorship deal in football.

Aon will replace US insurer AIG, whose contract with the Premier League champions expires next year.

Announcing the deal, Manchester United chief executive David Gill said: “We are delighted to be entering such an important relationship with a company of the stature of Aon and to have its logo adorn our shirts from the start of the 2010/11 season. We look forward to being closely aligned with the world leader in risk management, a firm which shares our values and is an exciting partner for Manchester United. Today’s announcement clearly strengthens our position as one of the biggest clubs in world football.”

Greg Case, president and chief executive officer of Aon said: “It is a unique opportunity when two leaders in their respective fields can come together in a partnership such as the one we are announcing today. Manchester United has one of the most recognized sports brands in the world. David and his team are all about winning and about excellence; the same holds true for the Aon team. We play to win in our business, and that is why we believe this partnership will create tremendous benefits for both organizations worldwide.

“While we are delighted that our brand will be showcased to the over 330 million fans of Manchester United as well as the countless followers of football worldwide, we also are extremely excited about the opportunity to maximize the value of this partnership globally.”