Manchester United Agree Four-Year Shirt Deal With Aon

Aon Corp (AOC.N), the world's largest insurance broker, has agreed a four-year deal to sponsor the shirts of English Premier League champions Manchester United from the start of the 2010-11 season. Manchester United will replace the three-letter logo of one American insurer, now emblazoned on players’ shirts, with the three-letter logo of another American insurer.

United's current 14 million pounds ($23.25 million) a year deal with U.S. insurance giant American International Group (AIG.N) runs out in June 2010.

Details of the agreement were not disclosed but U.S. media reports said it was worth about 20 million pounds a year.

"We are delighted to be entering such an important relationship with a company of the stature of Aon and to have its logo adorn our shirts from the start of the 2010-11 season," United chief executive David Gill said in a statement.

"We look forward to being closely aligned with the world leader in risk management, a firm which shares our values and is an exciting partner for Manchester United.

"Today's announcement clearly strengthens our position as one of the biggest clubs in world football."

“They are the brand that everyone wants to associate with,” said Nigel Currie, director of Brand Rapport, a sponsorship agency in Guildford, England.

David Gill, chief executive of Manchester United, said the deal “clearly strengthens our position as one of the biggest clubs in world football.”
United won the Premier League title last month for the third year in a row to continue their domination of English football but they lost 2-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League final to end the season on a disappointing note.

The deal represents a coup for Aon, which has secured one of the most prestigious advertising deals in sport with United's huge global fan base making them one of the top prizes in sports sponsorship.