Everton has today confirmed an extension to its shirt sponsorship with Chang in a deal that could be worth in excess of £16 million – the most lucrative in the Club’s 136-year history.
Everton Chief Executive Robert Elstone, striker Arouna Kone and Blues legend Graeme Sharp were all in Thailand on Thursday to put pen-to-paper on the new arrangement at Bangkok’s Plaza Athenee hotel.
The deal, which gets underway at the start of next season, runs for three years until the end of the 2016/17 campaign and remains the longest-running shirt sponsorship in the Barclays Premier League.
Having signed initially in 2004, the Blues have now worn the iconic Chang brand for 10 seasons, renewing the partnership on four separate occasions – in 2005, 2008, 2010 and now in 2014.
“Everton has enjoyed a special relationship with Chang extending now for 10 years,” said Elstone. “In that period, we have grown to understand one another, delivered great work, helped achieve objectives and developed a truly great partnership and, indeed a friendship, based on mutual trust, respect and affection.
"We do not take our partnership and all that we have achieved lightly. Everton is very proud of our mutual success to date.
“Chang is a business that has always provided great support, not just financially, but also as a gateway to our fans in Thailand. Over 10 years we have delivered some exciting, award-winning projects and with the same levels of creativity and commitment, I’m sure the years ahead will be as exciting off the field as they look set to be on it.
“Everton is exceptionally proud to extend its partnership with a world-class organisation, an organisation where people matter; an organisation where, like us, only the best will do. I would like to thank Khun Thapana and all our friends at Chang for supporting our team.”
As well as the sponsorship of the famous Everton shirt, the partnership is also focused on Thai footballing talent and both parties will continue to invest resources in projects that are aimed at improving and developing the game in the South East Asian country.
Mr. Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, President and CEO of Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, added: “Chang and Everton Football Club have joined forces once again after 10 years of solid friendship.
“Chang’s sponsorship with Everton football team is our proudest accomplishment, as we are inspiring people, especially youngsters, regardless of status to become responsible people in society, with positive thinking and attitude – all gained through football.
“We have also created an unprecedented phenomenon in the Thai football scene, where talented Thai football youngsters can earn a chance to be trained by world-renowned Everton Academy coaches.
“Over the years, Chang has seen the steady progress of Everton and to celebrate this, we are holding the 'Chang-Everton: More Good Years' event, celebrating 10 years of great partnership to further boost Thai talent to the next level."
