A leading American drinks concern has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with English club Manchester United, starting with the 2002-03 premier league season.
Specific terms of the deal, in which Budweiser will become the "official beer of Manchester United" as a "platinum sponsor" of the club, were not disclosed by Missouri-based Anheuser-Busch Cos Inc today.
"At Old Trafford, we always like to make the best signings, and, in Budweiser, we have found a sponsor whose record of success and global popularity matches our own," said David Gill, group-managing director of Manchester United in a statement.
"This new partnership means, once again, Manchester United is joining forces with one of the world's best-known consumer brands."
As United's official beer sponsor, Budweiser will have exclusive beer-pouring rights at Old Trafford, receive on-field, in-stadium and concourse signage and have the right to use the official marks and logos of the club in advertising, promotions and packaging.
Chelsea, another English premier league club, is also sponsored by Budweiser.
"Budweiser's partnership with Manchester United is an outstanding fit," said Tony Ponturo, vice president of global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
"This brings together two brands with a commitment to quality and a dedication to being the best that is unmatched in each of their respective fields."
Budweiser was the official beer sponsor of the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.
It is also a sponsor at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Winter Games, the National Basketball League, Major League Baseball and NASCAR racing in the United States.