Suzuki GB PLC has signed a major sponsorship deal with the Milton Keynes Dons, securing official partner status with its "local" professional football club.
The agreement will see the world-famous Suzuki logo carried on the Dons' first team and replica shirts and training kit throughout the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons.
The package also extends to high visibility for Suzuki in pitch-side, programme and magazine advertising, at promotional events, on official club stationery and on the backdrops used for the team's media interviews. Suzuki will also be involved in a community project with local schools through the club's Sports and Education Trust.
The Dons' state-of-the-art stadiummk home base is less than four miles across the city from Suzuki GB's headquarters. As well as providing a UEFA Elite-standard ground with capacity for more than 30,000 fans, the stadium complex also includes arena facilities, meeting rooms and a four-star hotel. This year the Dons are celebrating their 10th anniversary, playing in Sky Bet League One.
Suzuki's Managing Director, Yoshinobu Abe, said, "Suzuki has been based in Milton Keynes since 2005 and we are proud to be part of the city's successful commercial sector. We are delighted to establish this exciting new partnership with the Dons which will help us further develop our commitment to the local community and support our great local team both in its sporting and also community ambitions.
"As well as reaching out to people outside our business, we also see the sponsorship as a great way of building pride and engagement with our 150 head office staff, many of whom live in and around the city."
Pete Winkelman, Chairman of the MK Dons, comments, "I am delighted Suzuki has joined us as our official shirt and title sponsor for the new season. Suzuki is a fantastic, worldwide brand based in Milton Keynes and I am excited at the prospect of seeing their logo on the front of our 2014/15 playing kits, which will also feature our 10-year anniversary emblem.
"We look forward to working with Suzuki and ensuring that our partnership will benefit not only both companies but the community of Milton Keynes as well."
The new-look club kit bearing the Suzuki logo will be revealed towards the end of May.
Globally, Suzuki is a top 10 car brand with sales of 2.8 million units as well as a leading motorcycle brand selling 2.6 million units annually. The UK product range is vast and consists of nine different car models, 41 on and off road motorcycles, nine ATVs and 26 different types of Marine outboard engines.
