McDonald's® Latin America Announces Exclusive Agreement With Copa Toyota Libertadores
Largest Sports and Largest Foodservice Company in Latin America Team Up
PRNewswire-FirstCall
OAK BROOK, Ill.
May 18, 2005
McDonald's Latin America has completed an agreement with the Copa Toyota Libertadores to hold exclusive rights in the foodservice company category in one of the most prestigious tournaments in global football.
"This is a tremendous honor for us," said McDonald's Latin America President, Jose Armario. "We want to be where our customers are -- to share their passions. It's part of the unique bond we work to create with them. This is especially true of our relationship with young adults."
The company plans to build on the relationship in many ways. "We score thanks to the visibility the Copa provides with a cumulative television audience of nearly 10 billion people. We also score through our association with the premier club tournament in the regions as our individual markets develop grassroots extensions within each country. And, the 'Hat Trick' comes when we are able to incentivize and reward our hard working restaurant crew people and our customers through unique, 'Only McDonald's can do' activities," Armario said.
The timing of this agreement signals the beginning of a larger, more strategic football platform and also fits well within McDonald's global campaign to advocate more balanced active lifestyles, through it's new messaging, "it's what i eat and what i do ... i'm lovin' it™". Through sports sponsorships and other programs -- the company hopes to educate consumers on the importance of activity and energy balance.
The company is feverishly developing opportunities to take advantage of the 2005 Season's remaining matches, but promises to bring this relationship to life in 2006 with programs not unlike how the global McDonald's Corporation activates its sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup. For example, for the past four World Cup Finals, McDonald's has provided opportunities for thousands of its youngest customers to escort legendary players onto the pitch prior to matches -- truly a dream come true for football's future stars.
About McDonald's
McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) is the leading global foodservice retailer with more than 30,000 local restaurants serving nearly 50 million people in more than 100 countries each day. Approximately 70 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women. For more information about McDonald's, please visit http://www.mcdonalds.com/ .
About the Copa Toyota Libertadores
A 45-year tradition, the Copa Toyota Libertadores is the most important professional football club tournament in Latin America. Since 1960, over 3,500 games have been played, 10,000 goals scored, 160 different teams have participated, and 20 different clubs have been crowned champion. In head-to head competition with European champion clubs, winners of the Copa Toyota Libertadores and UEFA Champion's League each hold 21 world titles. For more information on the Copa Toyota Libertadores, please visit http://www.conmebol.com/ .
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SOURCE: McDonald's Corporation
CONTACT: Brad Trask of McDonald's, +1-630-623-7864