Canon becomes UEFA EURO 2012 global sponsor

Canon was today announced as the ninth global partner of UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

As the official still imaging equipment provider, Canon will promote products such as digital still cameras, printers, copiers, scanners and faxes to be used during the tournament.

Canon has a long history of supporting Europe's flagship national-team event having been a partner of the competition since the 1980 edition (with the exception of UEFA EURO 2000). As part of the agreement, Canon will benefit notably from on-screen credit inventory, perimeter board exposure and the ability to run ticket promotions. It will also provide camera and lens repair service centres for professional photographers in each of the eight stadiums.

Canon becomes the ninth global partner for UEFA EURO 2012 following on from the agreements signed with adidas, Carlsberg, Castrol, Coca-Cola, Hyundai-Kia, McDonald's, Orange and Sharp.

Commenting on the deal, UEFA Events SA chief executive David Taylor said: "We are delighted to welcome Canon back on board for this exciting historic occasion that the staging of UEFA EURO 2012 in central and eastern Europe represents.

"The continuing commitment of Canon, one of the leading global brands in its category, to sponsor the UEFA European Football Championship renews our long-standing partnership and will contribute to the successful staging of the tournament."

Ryoichi Bamba, president and CEO of Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "Canon is delighted to rejoin the UEFA family of global sponsors for UEFA EURO 2012. We are passionate about the power of image and such an exciting football tournament provides wonderful opportunities to showcase our imaging products and solutions."

The UEFA EURO 2012 commercial programme consists of ten sponsors with global rights, as well as four national sponsor slots each for companies in Poland and Ukraine. National sponsors' rights are limited to the territory of the designated host country.