Investec and Spurs in deal renewal talks
TOTTENHAM’S Champions League run has so delighted Investec that the South African bank has already held informal talks with the club about extending their shirt sponsorship, just seven months into the contract.
Investec agreed an innovative two-year deal thought to be worth £2.5m a season in August which sees its branding emblazoned on Spurs shirts in the three cup competitions: the Carling Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.
Although there are understood to be bonuses payable by the bank relating to Tottenham’s success, executives are still hugely satisfied with the value they have derived from seeing Spurs reach Europe’s latter stages.
Raymond van Niekirk, Investec’s global head of marketing, said extending the deal was already on the agenda although an agreement may depend on Harry Redknapp’s men consistently qualifying for the Champions League.
“We’re very happy,” he told Morning Wire adding of an extension: “Not formally, but informally you’re always talking about the future and Spurs are a very well-run club and very commercially minded, they think to the future and we think along similar lines.”
Spurs are currently fifth in the Premier League, meaning they stand to miss out on next year’s Champions League. Van Niekirk said that would not “materially affect” the remaining year of their deal, but that future qualification for Europe’s elite club competition would be a major factor in any decision to renew.
“In terms of global exposure the European Cup is just fantastic because we have businesses in 15 countries,” he added. “If I’m not mistake the European Cup is televised in 200 countries and the FA Cup is around 160, but the European Cup has that extra glamour and you’re pitting yourself against the best that you can find. It’s important for us that they play in the European Cup.”
Van Niekirk said Investec planned to increase marketing efforts if Tottenham continued to exceed expectations with their progress in Europe, adding that reaching the final, to be held at Wembley, against another English team would be “a dream”.
HISTORY MONEY AND JOY | WHAT SPURS’ EURO SUCCESS MEANS
HISTORY MAKER
Harry Redknapp is in illustrious company having become the first Englishman to take a side to the quarter finals of Europe’s premier club competition for 25 years.
l Terry Venables led Barcelona to the last eight in 1986 and then onto the final which they lost in a penalty shootout against Steaua Bucharest.
l Joe Fagan took Liverpool to consecutive European Cup finals in 1984 and 85.
l Ron Saunders led Aston Villa to the 1982 quarter-finals before resigning over a contract dispute. Tony Barton took up the reigns and guided Villa to success in the final against Bayern Munich.
MONEY MATTERS
Tottenham’s exploits in the Champions League have already seen the north London club bank in excess of £30m. As a reward for their performances so far, Spurs have received £13.5m in prize money. Taking into account their average match day revenue of £1.5m, the five matches Spurs have hosted at White Hart Lane has earned the club an extra £7.5m. And, taking into account the £9m in TV revenue Arsenal pocketed for reaching the same stage last season, Spurs can expect to earn comfortably more than £30m, whatever the outcome of their last eight tie.
THE PLAYERS SAY
l “We’re all excited and it’s a good achievement. Who knows where this will take us? Hopefully all the way to Wembley!” Steven Pienaar.
l “Barca are playing great football. They show each week they are a great team. But we do not fear anyone.” Gareth Bale (left).
l “I think Sandro looks like Dunga when he played in midfield. It’s a great time for him at the moment.” Heurelho Gomes.
l “I’m happy to be here, we’ll try to see if I can stay here for next season.” Captain William Gallas.