Sports Direct Regulatory News (SPD)

17 Jan 2005 07:00

SP Holdings PLC17 January 2005 17 January 2005 SP Holdings PLC Kingdom of Bahrain agrees major new joint venture with SP Holdings PLC SP Holdings, the marketing services company, today announces that it has signedan agreement with the Kingdom of Bahrain to establish a new joint venture withthe aim of becoming the pre-eminent professional sports marketing company in theterritory. The joint venture will exploit the commercial rights and properties owned byBahrain's various sports entities that come under the General Organisation forYouth and Sports (GOYS) in the Kingdom and across the Gulf and Arabic-speakingregion. The business will manage all sporting rights, working with a variety of sportsand venues, including the prestigious Bahrain International Circuit, home of theMiddle East's only Formula 1 race circuit, and Bahrain Football Association. Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of GOYS said: "We see sport participation and the commercial development of sport, as a keydriver for Bahrain and the whole region. We continue to make a significantinvestment in sport and sport facilities to benefit the reputation of ourcountry, people and economy, and look forward to working with SP Holdings toaccelerate this process." Tony Simpson, Chief Executive of SP Holdings said: "Bahrain and the Gulf states are undergoing extraordinary growth and change. Weare honoured to be working with the sports authorities in Bahrain and this jointventure will help raise the international profile of Bahrain, whilst creating astrong sports marketing presence in the heart of the region." Bahrain's relationship with SP Holdings goes back two years through a successfulpartnership with its subsidiary, TSE Consulting, which provided sports marketingcourses and consulting for GOYS. For further information, please contact: SP Holdings PLC Telephone: 020 7182 7600Tony Simpson, Chief Executive gcg hudson sandler Telephone: 020 7796 4133Nick Lyon / Wendy Baker Editors Notes Sport and the Kingdom of Bahrain • Bahrain International Circuit (BIC): Venue of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. During the annual FIA Prize Giving Gala held in Monte Carlo in December 2004, Bahrain International Circuit received the highest possible accolade for its organisation of the 2004 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. • Bahrain National Football Team: Fourth place in Asian Cup (August 2004) Qualified for 2nd round FIFA World Cup 2006 Second place in Arab cup Kuwait 2003 • Bahrain National Golf Team: Arab champions for 9 of the last 10 years • Bahrain National Beach Volley team: Arab champions • Bahrain holds record for fastest Arab woman over 100 metres. Raqayeh al Qasrah is the Arab champion over 100 metres and 200 metres and silver medallist over both distances at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championship SP Holdings PLC (www.spholdings.co.uk) SP Holdings is a marketing services company listed on the London Stock Exchange.The Company specialises in sports, retail, leisure and entertainment sectors,with offices in London, Lausanne and Atlanta. Clients include: Mastercard Europe Nationwide JVC Tesco VF.A Manchester United Rangers Football Club This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange