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CPLG’s new relationship with the Tour de France represents a fantastic opportunity to establish an association with one of the biggest annual events in the whole of sport. During its 109-year history ‘Le Tour’ has come to epitomise the peak of athletic heroism and endurance and millions of fans follow the competition across the world. Not only is the event one of the most iconic occasions in the sporting calendar, it also benefits from the ever increasing popularity of cycling as a leisure pursuit, something that has received a massive boost in the UK further to the success of Bradley Wiggins who became the first ever British winner of the Tour this summer. CPLG is looking to link up with partners across the UK that are interested in taking advantage of opportunities in the licensed product market at this hugely exciting time. Another new addition to the CPLG sporting portfolio is the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) who represent the three iconic cricketing brands: the Ashes Urn, Lord’s - The Home of Cricket, and Old Father Time. Each distinct brand has its own story to tell. Bequeathed to MCC by former England captain, Ivo Bligh, upon his death in 1927, the irreplaceable Ashes Urn resides in the MCC Museum and represents one of the most famous rivalries in sport: when England and Australia compete in Test match cricket. Lord’s – The Home of Cricket – is arguably the most famous cricket ground in the world, and Old Father Time – the weathervane that is positioned on top of the Mound Stand – represents the timeless attributes of cricket. All three brands appeal to millions of cricket fans, not just in the UK but across the globe, and CPLG is working alongside MCC to highlight the considerable opportunities available to promotional partners and best in class licensees across all key categories. St Andrews Links (SAL) is acknowledged around the world as the Home of Golf – a venue where the game has been played for over 600 years and a brand unparalleled in the history of the game. In close partnership with SAL, CPLG continues to develop an impressive commercial programme that takes the brand to golfers across the world through official partner, supplier and licensee relationships. Still leading the SAL commercial programme is their Global Partner, Allianz, who recently renewed their partnership demonstrating their commitment to this unique association. SAL also confirmed this year the addition of Rolex and Callaway to their portfolio of prestigious commercial partners. Licensed product categories currently include timepieces, writing equipment, golf accessories, computer games and golf simulators through a host of licensees, including high profile names such as Elmo and Montegrappa, Jaermann and Stübi and EA Sports. International retailer Brooks Brothers also continue to sell men’s and women’s apparel and accessories around the world. CPLG is proud to also continue to be long term partners of two of the most popular football teams in the Premier League – West Ham United and Fulham FC, as well as representing the Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team, French Football Federation, UK Sport, and the Fédération Equestre Internationale. “As always, we are showcasing some massive sporting brands at this year’s Brand Licensing Europe that all offer considerable commercial opportunities. We are looking forward to presenting these properties to a diverse range of potential licensing partners,” says Nicola Thompson, Senior Commercial Manager, CPLG Sport. |
The England Rugby brand is set for an exciting few years as its already significant popularity builds in anticipation of the 2015 Rugby World Cup which is being held on English soil for the first time since 1991 and will undoubtedly cause huge excitement across the nation. A rapidly growing licensing programme now includes over 30 best in class partners with recent additions such as Tri Distribution for men’s and women’s apparel, Drew Pearson International for headwear and accessories, Brecrest for babywear and BL Sports for luggage, bags and wallets. Other exciting commercial developments at the RFU is their partnership with Canterbury who are about to launch the new England team’s official kit, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSK) brands Lucozade Sport and Maximuscle partnering with the Elite England Rugby Squads as Official Hydration and Sports Nutrition partners respectively, and England sponsor 02 who has extended it’s already long standing relationship by a further 4 years.