FA Cup winners Arsenal have confirmed that Puma, their new kit manufacturer, has acquired a set of additional licensing rights, beginning from 1st July, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. Puma has acquired what the club called 'wide-ranging and extensive' licensing rights to 'develop, distribute and market' Arsenal-branded merchandise around the world, through its affiliated companies which include Cobra Puma Golf and Brandon.
An Arsenal statement on Thursday said Puma companies would produce a range of merchandise including apparel, sporting goods, back to school gifts and souvenirs.
After months of speculation, Arsenal confirmed their new agreement with Puma in January. The five-year contract is believed to be worth some £150 million in total and ends the London club's 20-year association with Nike.
Simon Lilley, Arsenal's retail director, said: "The Puma deal represents the biggest deal in Arsenal's history and the new licensing element is a fundamental part of that. Puma will help us to grow our existing range of official Arsenal merchandise and provide our supporters with a host of new and exciting products."
Puma's head of sports licensing Evy Bronneberg added: "Having the rights to produce Arsenal products both with and without the Puma brand trademarks enables us to further amplify the commercial potential of this partnership, and deliver a comprehensive merchandise range for Arsenal fans around the world."
