17 February 2009 - MP & Silva hits the bull’s-eye after striking long-term partnership with FITA

PRESS RELEASE   Lausanne (SUI) – 17 February 2009     MP & Silva hits the bull’s-eye after striking long-term partnership with FITA   MPS agency and FITA seals exclusive, six-year worldwide deal to distribute the federation’s media rights     MP & Silva, a leading international sports media company, announced today that they have agreed to a six-year, worldwide partnership with the International Archery Federation (FITA).   The extensive, long-term deal will see the agency exclusively distribute all major archery events globally, including the World Cup Stages and Finals, as well as its Indoor and Outdoor Championships (except Korea in 2009). The agency is expected to help the Lausanne-based federation consolidate and expand their media visibility worldwide, especially in crucial markets in Europe and Asia.   The agreement will also see MP & Silva appointed as a non-exclusive FITA partner for sponsorship, in order to help the federation identify and secure new corporate sponsors.   The deal, which marks the first time FITA has appointed an agency in its 78-year history to distribute its media rights, was brokered by the agency’s new office in the Principality of Monaco—its second expansion in three months. Headed up by Marco AULETTA—a vastly experienced financial advisor for several international sports federations—the new office in Monaco will be principally focused on building and maintaining relationships and seeking new commercial opportunities with European-based international federations and rights holders.   “We are pleased to seal this agreement with MP & Silva as we will be able to tap into their proven expertise and experience in international media distribution, which will help us grow our global footprint and access new markets,” said FITA President Prof. Dr Ugur ERDENER. “This partnership is crucial for the next stage of our growth and represents a big step forward as MP & Silva will allow us to build our presence, visibility and popularity through new and expanded media agreements.”   “Historically, archery is one of the world’s oldest sport and has come a long way to evolve itself into a modern and competitive precision sport of today, and we are confident that we can help take FITA to the next level through this agreement,” said Andrea RADRIZZANI, Group Chief Executive Officer, MP & Silva. “Archery has been an Olympic sport for well over a century now, and by remodelling its distribution and commercial strategies and embracing new distribution platforms, we are confident that not only does archery stand to capitalise on new revenues opportunities, but will also help attract new fans to the sport.”   About MP & Silva: MP & Silva is a leading international sports media company that owns, manages and distributes television and media rights to some of the most prestigious sporting events, including Italy’s top professional football league, Serie A. The company operates worldwide through five offices located in Singapore, Dubai, Milan, Miami and Monaco.        About the International Archery Federation (FITA): Founded in 1931, the International Archery Federation (FITA) is the governing body of archery. The international federation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland. FITA serves to promote and regulate archery worldwide through its 140 Member Associations (National Federations or Associations). With the launch of the Archery World Cup in 2006, FITA aims to enhance the competitions by showcasing the events at some of the world’s most spectacular locations. For more information, please visit www.archery.org.       For further information, please contact:   Kevin SIM MP & Silva Phone:  +65 3125 2057  Mobile:  +65 9643 3181  Email: kevin@mpsilva.com Website: www.mpsilva.com  Didier MIEVILLE FITA Communications Director Phone:  +41 21 614 3061  Mobile:  +41 79 823 9291  Email: dmieville@archery.org Website: www.archery.org     Jovin LAI MP & Silva Phone:  +65 3125 2055  Email: jovin@mpsilva.com Website: www.mpsilva.com