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MERCEDES-BENZ EXTENDS ATP PARTNERSHIP

Mercedes-Benz and ATP, the governing body of the men’s professional tennis circuit, have agreed a three-year extension of their partnership.

The third renewal of the partnership formed in 1996 will run through 2008.

Mercedes-Benz will remain the ‘Official Car of the ATP’, providing transport at many of the 64 tournaments in 31 countries each year.

It will also provide official transport at the Tennis Masters Cup, the circuit finale to be held in Shanghai, China, through at least 2007.

“Mercedes-Benz and the ATP have built a unique partnership based on clear fundamentals: brand relevance, exclusivity, target group relevance, global and local exploitation, media penetration and effective market communication,” said Richard Davies, CEO, ATP Properties.

“The net star, which marries the perfect brand icon with perfect placement, is one of the most prominent branding vehicles in world sport.”

Research shows that the net star is in view for 37 per cent of ATP telecasts.