Zug, Switzerland/New York, USA – Infront Sports & Media, the leading international sports marketing company, and Omnigon, one of the most influential digital services firms in the world of sports and entertainment, have entered a strategic partnership. The announcement came from both companies today at the Leaders Sport Business Summit in London.
Moving forward, Infront and Omnigon will collaborate closely to offer the most impactful digital solutions, consultancy and services to the global sports industry. The partnership unites Omnigon’s technical and creative skills with Infront’s extensive sports marketing know-how and digital capabilities, to the benefit of both new and existing clients.
One of the first client projects where Infront and Omnigon join forces is the conception and creation of the Official DFB Cup App – in close collaboration with the German Football Association (DFB). The app will be launched for the 2016/17 DFB Cup season and focuses on high-level multimedia content and increased fan interaction.
Within the framework of the strategic partnership, Infront and Omnigon will offer professional services and jointly develop custom-made digital solutions. The best-of-class products will include centralised content management platforms, designed to further enhance fan engagement and contribute towards an inspiring sports viewer experience.
Furthermore, Infront and Omnigon will provide strategic and technical guidance on how to expand and monetise digital reach. Based on a tailored approach, the specific needs and individual requirements of each client will be fulfilled to a high-quality standard, be it for premium sports or emerging properties. The primary focus will be on rights holders, whilst also supplying and supporting media companies, sponsors and other stakeholders active in sport.
Philippe Blatter, President & CEO of Infront, said: “With this strategic partnership, we further drive digital progress in the sports business industry. Sports consumption these days is marked by an increasing convergence between the actual event and the digital experience – which opens up new ways of content marketing and fan engagement. Omnigon will complement our service portfolio and digital capabilities with strong technical and creative skills, proven in successful collaborations for major US rights holders. Together, we want to empower our partners to remain at the forefront of the industry, providing them with tailored solutions for an impactful digital profile.”
Igor Ulis, CEO of Omnigon, added: “With expertise as a partner to 170 sports rights holders and involvement across the full commercial value chain, Infront is highly attuned to client needs and foresighted in regards to global industry dynamics. The strategic partnership will help us to take our professional services and solutions to the next level, and we are looking forward to supporting Infront’s partners on their digital growth journey. Infront shares our commitment to closely involve each client in the full process from project commencement through to deployment, ensuring the best possible and cost-efficient solution for each individual case. Jointly, we will bring products to the market that truly enthuse fans in today’s fast-moving digital landscape, and that allow rights holders to monetize the opportunities that emerge from this progress.”
Infront Sports & Media is the most respected sports marketing company in the world, managing a comprehensive portfolio of top properties. Led by President & CEO Philippe Blatter, Infront covers all aspects of successful sporting events – including distribution of media rights, sponsorship, media production and event operation – and has won a reputation for its high standards of delivery. As the number one player in winter sport and with a leading role in football, summer and endurance sports, Infront enjoys long-lasting partnerships with 170 rights-holders and hundreds of sponsors and media companies. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Infront has a team of more than 650 experienced staff working from 25 offices across 13 countries, delivering 4,000 event days of top class sport around the world every year.
Omnigon delivers strategic, technical and creative solutions to leaders in the sports, media and entertainment industries. The Omnigon team is made up of technologists and artists, all of whom have a deep understanding of digital media and its impact on the lives of consumers. Omnigon is renowned for delivering its clients engaging, ground-breaking digital experiences and solutions that create real value for their sponsors and audiences. Core competencies include strategic consulting, development of social and mobile platforms, live event support, digital product development and enterprise systems. Headquartered in New York and with offices in Los Angeles, London, Toronto, Kiev and St. Petersburg, Omnigon’s client roster includes World Rugby, AS Roma, Arsenal FC, PGA Tour, NASCAR, USGA, FOX Sports, Miami Heat, CONCACAF, Sporting News, and FOX Broadcasting.