Manchester United announces partnership with Bakcell

Manchester United plc (NYSE: MANU), one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, today announced its partnership with Bakcell, Azerbaijan’s founding telecommunications company.

As part of this new three year partnership, Bakcell is to become United’s first official telecommunications and broadcast partner for Azerbaijan, bringing a range of unique and exclusive content to the country’s Manchester United fans.

Subscribers to Bakcell’s official Manchester United mobile packages will receive up to date club news, video highlights of the latest games, ringtones, wallpapers and much more.

As part of the partnership, Bakcell will also have the rights to broadcast the Club’s official TV channel MUTV in Azerbaijan, giving fans access to the latest player interviews and behind the scenes footage.

Manchester United’s Commercial Director, Richard Arnold comments on the exciting new partnership:

“Manchester United is pleased to be joining forces with Bakcell. The two organisations have a history of being the first in their chosen field: Bakcell were Azerbaijan’s first mobile company way back in 1994 and have gone on to be the country’s most trusted operator, with over 2.5 million customers. This new agreement is another first for Manchester United, with it being the only partnership the Club has in the country. Our Azerbaijani fan base is ever increasing and we hope that our relationship with Bakcell will allow us to engage with these fans as well as bring them exclusive access to their favourite club.”

Bakcell’s CEO, Richard Shearer comments:

“Being the first mobile operator of Azerbaijan, Bakcell has always been the company of ‘firsts’ and collaboration with Manchester United, the world’s number one football brand is another proof to this statement. We are pleased to be the first business not only in Azerbaijan, but in whole CIS countries who build partnership with one of the biggest football clubs of the world. This partnership will bring football and Manchester United closer to all Bakcell customers, Manchester United fans and football lovers of the whole country and region.”

About Manchester United

Manchester United is one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth.

Through our 134-year heritage we have won 60 trophies, enabling us to develop the world’s leading sports brand and a global community of 659 million followers. Our large, passionate community provides Manchester United with a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, new media & mobile, broadcasting and match day.