"Today's announcement is yet another defining moment in both Philadelphia Union's and Major League Soccer's history," said Philadelphia Union CEO & Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz. "The Union brand is about authenticity and you don't get more authentic than Bimbo. We're honored to partner with such a major international company with a rich soccer tradition and longstanding commitment to world class products and outstanding customer service.
"Finding the right partner to place on the Union jersey took some time but we wanted to make sure we partnered with an authentic company that shares our core values and commitment to the sport, fans and customers," Sakiewicz continued. "We are proud to say that we have found that partner in Bimbo."
Headquartered in Horsham, Pa., Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) operates 34 bakeries in the United States and distributes top brands such Arnold®, Oroweat®, Thomas'®, Entenmann's®, Stroehmann®, Mrs Baird's®, Freihofer's®, Bimbo® and Boboli® through more than 8,000 routes.
"Bimbo Bakeries USA is thrilled to become a part of the Philadelphia Union and Major League Soccer families," said Vince Melchiorre, Senior Vice President of Bimbo Bakeries USA. "Grupo Bimbo has long been a supporter of the sport of soccer worldwide and putting our name on the jersey of Philadelphia's hometown soccer team is a perfect fit as we continue to build our Bimbo brand with U.S. consumers."
Additionally, the sponsorship gives Bimbo the right to use MLS League and Club marks along with logos and marketing assets at League and select Club events such as the MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup, Major League Soccer's championship game. Bimbo will run a nationwide "Soccer Mom of the Year" promotion, with the winner earning a trip to MLS Cup 2011.
"Major League Soccer is proud to welcome Bimbo to the North American soccer family," said Kathy Carter, President of Soccer United Marketing, MLS' marketing arm. "Bimbo has made a long-term commitment to our sport, both at the Club and the League level. This is a company that is well-respected internationally and we look forward to working together as we both continue to grow our business."
Bimbo Bakeries has also pledged to support youth soccer in the Delaware Valley, including organizations such as the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association and the Delaware Youth Soccer Association.
ABOUT KEYSTONE SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT LLC
Keystone Sports and Entertainment, LLC, is the ownership group of Philadelphia Union and is comprised of Chairman/Owner Jay Sugarman, CEO and Operating Partner Nick Sakiewicz, Christopher Buccini, Robert Buccini and David Pollin, founding partners of The Buccini/Pollin Group. The group launched the Philadelphia Union's inaugural season on March 25, 2010 and opened PPL Park, the brand new $122 million soccer specific stadium on the Chester Waterfront, on June 27, 2010. PPL Park, the home of Philadelphia Union, holds approximately 18,500 seats and will host various events throughout the year. For more information about Philadelphia Union, visit www.philadelphiaunion.com.
ABOUT BIMBO BAKERIES USA
Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU) operates 34 bakeries in the United States and distributes top brands such as Arnold®, Bimbo®, Boboli®, Brownberry®, Entenmann's®, Francisco®, Freihofer's®, Marinela®, Oroweat®, Stroehmann®, Thomas'®, and Tia Rosa,® through more than 8,000 routes. Bimbo Bakeries USA is headquartered in Horsham, PA, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, S.A.B de C.V., one of the world's largest baking companies with over 102,000 associates and operations in 17 countries throughout the Americas and China.
ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. Major League Soccer's 16th season, which will feature 18 clubs each playing 34 regular season matches, will kick off on Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Those clubs include Chicago Fire; Chivas USA; 2010 MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; LA Galaxy; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; Philadelphia Union; Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; Sporting Kansas City; Toronto FC; and, in their inaugural seasons, Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps. An expansion team in Montreal will debut in 2012. For more information about MLS, log on to the League's official website at www.MLSsoccer.com.
(Copyright 2010 Philadelphia Union. Reprinted by permission)
