RAM.L Regulatory News (RAM)

20 Sep 2005 15:48

RAM Investment Group PLC20 September 2005 RAM kicks off inaugural football awards 20th September 2005 Last night's inaugural FIFPro World XI Awards, hosted by RAM Investment Groupplc saw, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and Cafu namedin the world XI selected by more than 38,000 professional footballers worldwide. In October 2004, RAM announced the 50/50 joint venture with FIFPro (FederationInternationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels) to host theFIFPro World XI Awards. RAM acquired exclusive rights to the event for a five year period with an optionto extend the rights after the first five events. The acquisition of the rightsallowed RAM, in partnership with FIFPro, to exploit broadcast production,promotional and commercial sales opportunities and other rights during thatperiod. Nick Lebetkin, CEO of RAM Investment Group plc, said: "The FIFPro Awards were a great success. I congratulate all those players namedin the World XI and I am pleased that so many footballers got involved in thevoting process, which is the first of its kind. "The Awards are an important part of RAM's investment portfolio and are inkeeping with our low risk, high return investment ethos. "Last night's event provided a great platform for future growth for the FIFProWorld XI Awards." The FIFPro Awards are one of a number of sporting projects in RAM's investmentportfolio. In August 2005, RAM acquired a 24.8% stake in Parallel Media Group (aglobal specialist in golf sponsorship sales, sports marketing and media). Thispartnership will seek to create and develop PGA golf courses, incorporatingresidential and resort style living, throughout Eastern Europe, Latin Americaand the Caribbean. ENDS For further information, please contact:Tim Blythe / Loic EchaubardBeattie Communications020 7053 6000 Notes to Editors About RAM Investment Group plcRAM Investment Group is an AIM listed investment company that focuses oninvestment opportunities in the media and leisure sectors, specifically seekinglow risk, high return investments. About FIFPROIs the worldwide representative organisation for all professional footballplayers. At the moment 40 national players' associations are members of FIFPRO.It is a democratic, player-driven organisation that actively seeks to promotethe individual and collective interests of the players. FIFPRO is the exclusivecollective international voice of the world's professional footballers. It is atruly global organisation with members in Africa, South America, North America,Scandinavia and Eastern and Western Europe. About PMGAIM quoted Parallel Media Group plc ("PMG") is a global media, marketing andsports management Company. The Group owns one of the largest asset portfolios ingolf and has organised and promoted over 100 professional tournaments since itsinception 18 years ago. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange