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WWE IN SPONSORSHIP DRIVE

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has launched a major sponsorship acquisition programme.

The move reflects the need "to capitalise on the strong growth of the WWEB. brand in key international territories including the UK, Australia, Italy and Germany" according to WWE.

An increase in touring activity has expanded its presence with more than 60 international live events planned in the current financial year.

WWE's strategy includes the imminent appointment of an international sponsorship & promotions marketing manager, based at the company's Hammersmith International headquarters, to facilitate partner acquisition.

Jonathan Sully, vice president, international marketing, said: "We want to develop creative relationships with sponsors who can benefit from the unique opportunities WWE can provide through our connection to families and the 16 to 24-year-old age group at live events."

"WWE can offer a sponsor a tailored media package to target these consumers, such as in-venue branding, sampling, ATL advertising, online and a unique product placement opportunity into our weekly television programmes, RAWB. and SmackDown!B."

WWE will return to the UK, Italy, Germany and Ireland in November with The Survivor Series TourB.. This will be a 16-event, 16-city tour culminating in Sheffield, UK, on November 21 and 22 with the live recording of Monday Night RAW and SmackDown!

Each programme will be broadcast to a global audience in excess of 300 million viewers.