Zug, Switzerland – Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) has inked a new deal to become an Official Sponsor of the Men’s EHF EURO 2018, which will be played in cities across Croatia from 12 to 28 January 2018. The agreement – negotiated by Infront Sports & Media, a Wanda Sports Group company and the exclusive media and marketing partner of the European Handball Federation (EHF) for the EHF EURO events – will earn RBI significant brand exposure at one of international handball’s signature events and positions the Austrian banking group among the top-tier sponsors.As Official Sponsor, RBI will have floor stickers on the courts at each Men’s EHF EURO 2018 game and run advertising on all the court LED boards. For the first time, that will include LED boards positioned behind the goals, which allows Infront to guarantee partners even greater brand visibility.Infront has also introduced a number of innovative digital elements to sponsorship packages for EHF EURO 2018. For RBI this includes the opportunity to enhance their own event coverage with their social media manager set to join the EHF/Infront editorial team on-site at the 16-team tournament.RBI Head of Group Marketing Leodegar Pruschak said, “As a leading bank in Central and Eastern Europe we are pleased to sponsor one of the biggest sport events in the region. Handball is extremely popular in Croatia, along with our core markets of Austria (where we are headquartered), Belarus, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Serbia - all of whom will participate in the Men’s EHF EURO 2018. We look forward to supporting an exciting tournament attracting both our existing and prospective customers.”
RBI returns to flagship handball event
The new deal represents a return to handball for RBI, which previously backed EHF EURO 2012, held in Serbia.Stephan Herth, Executive Director Summer Sports for Infront said: “It’s great to see Raiffeisen Bank International once again connected with handball. This agreement is not only an indication that the sport offers fantastic exposure for brands such as RBI in relevant markets, but also that the additional sponsorship elements introduced by Infront represent truly attractive new opportunities that help our partners reach out to and engage with their target audience.”RBI is the fifth Official Sponsor confirmed for the Men’s EHF EURO 2018. Already on board are workwear manufacturer engelbert strauss; sports retailer Intersport; home appliance manufacturer Gorenje; and pump manufacturer Grundfos. There will be a maximum of eight Official Sponsors for the event, with more announcements expected in due course.The Men’s EHF EURO 2018 is being held in Croatia, with games taking place in Split, Porec, Zagreb and Varaždin. The tournament runs from 12-28 January 2018.
About Raiffeisen Bank International
Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) regards Austria, where it is a leading corporate and investment bank, as well as Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) as its home market. 14 markets of the region are covered by subsidiary banks. Additionally, the group comprises numerous other financial service providers, for instance in leasing, asset management or M&A. In total, nearly 50,000 employees service 16.5 million customers through more than 2,400 business outlets, the majority thereof in CEE. RBI's shares are listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange.
About Infront Sports & Media
Infront Sports & Media, a Wanda Sports company, is one of the most respected sports marketing companies 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, event operation and digital solutions – 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 900 experienced staff working from over 35 offices across more than 15 countries, delivering 4,100 event days of top class sport around the world every year. In November 2015, Infront was integrated into Wanda Sports Group, part of the Chinese conglomerate the Dalian Wanda Group.
About Wanda Sports Group
Wanda Sports Group is the world’s leading sports business entity, founded to capture the opportunities in the global sports industry and to contribute to the prosperous international sports landscape in three key areas: 1) Spectator Sports (media & marketing business), 2) Participation Sports (active lifestyle business), 3) Services (digital, production and service business). Led by President & Vice Chairman Philippe Blatter, Wanda Sports Group incorporates the international sports marketing company Infront Sports & Media, the iconic endurance brand IRONMAN and Wanda Sports China. The headquarters are in Guangzhou, China.
