Ground breaking deal in Oil and Fuel sector for Gulf and the world’s number one football brand
Gulf Oil International is proud to announce that it has entered into a long-term partnership with the world’s leading football brand, Manchester United. This ground breaking initiative – believed to be the first such in the sector – makes Gulf Manchester United’s Official Global Lubricant and Fuel Retail Partner.
The partnership was launched in Manchester today, with Gulf Oil Vice President International, Frank Rutten joining Manchester United’s Commercial Director Jamie Reigle together with a number of First Team Players and Manchester United Legends at the Club’s AON Training Complex.
The Manchester United partnership with Gulf runs initially until the end of the 2018-19 football season and marks the largest single partnership ever undertaken by the global oil and fuel brand.
The agreement will give Gulf Oil International, a Hinduja Group Company, access to Manchester United assets including the club crest and player images and Gulf’s distinctive orange disc will feature on the Club’s digital perimeter boards during Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup matches at Old Trafford.
The partnership marks a further step in Gulf’s intent to strengthen its brand presence globally and will enable it to engage with Manchester United’s worldwide fan base, including 325 million followers in Asia, which Gulf sees as a major focus area with a strong presence in India and rapidly developing businesses in China, the Middle East and Indonesia.
Gulf Oil’s Vice President International, Frank Rutten said: “Gulf is regarded as an iconic brand in motorsport circles, but this is a truly exciting opportunity for Gulf to expand beyond our motorsport sponsorships and to stand on the global stage – showing the ambition and growth aspirations of the brand.
“This partnership with Manchester United, surely the world’s greatest football name, brings together two brands with incredible heritage, a pride in performance excellence and the ability to listen to the wishes of their customers – the fans, in the case of Manchester United – and turn this into action. We are extremely excited about the prospect of moving forward together.”
With a Gulf lubricants presence in more than 110 countries worldwide, petrol stations in 22 countries and a thriving global marine business, this new partnership reflects Gulf’s commitment to continually add value to its customer offer when using its engine lubricant oil products or its fuel stations. The partnership also reflects the on-going desire to be an extra ordinary oil company, as exemplified by its core values of “Quality, Endurance and Passion”.
Manchester United Group Managing Director Richard Arnold comments:
“While both Manchester United and Gulf have evolved and adapted since their foundation more than 100 years ago, neither has forgotten its roots. Gulf always seeks to demonstrate its core values of quality, endurance and passion, which are principles that are also held by the Club.
“Gulf Oil International already has significant experience in sport and we are looking forward to working with them to expand that into football. Through this partnership we will further our commitment to reach our fans around the world, especially in Asia.”
The new partnership, however, does not mean that Gulf is forsaking its involvement in the motor sport sector, as Gulf Oil Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Vicki Kipling is keen to point out. “On the contrary, Gulf is expanding its horizons in motorsport this year. We have recently announced a three year technical partnership with BMW’s Manufacturer-backed squad, Team Milwaukee BMW, in World Superbikes; we will be back at Le Mans again this year and competing in the World Endurance Championship with the Gulf Racing Team and their Porsche, and we will again be partnering the world’s most powerful motorbike as Ian King goes for a tenth Top Fuel drag title.
“All of these complement our partnership with Manchester United in the football arena and give Gulf an incredible global marketing platform from which to continue the rapid growth journey on which we have embarked.”