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For Immediate Release
| Contact: | Kendra Calvert Blue Equity, LLC Tel: 502.588.7159 kcalvert@blueequity.com | Doning Barber 5W Public Relations Tel: 212.584.4315 dbarber@5wpr.com |
Pro Tennis Star John Isner to Help Olympus Promote Its Sponsorship of the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open
LOUISVILLE, KY, March 14, 2008 - BEST (www.experienceBEST.com) announced today that rising tennis star John Isner has signed a multi-year agreement with Olympus America Inc. to help the Company promote its exclusive title sponsorship of the US Open Series, now renamed the Olympus US Open Series, and its role as a premier sponsor of the US Open. The agreement enables Olympus to use Isner's name, image and likeness in its advertising and promotion, in all media, in connection with its brand and overall sponsorship activation.
Isner, represented by BEST agent Sam Duvall, is the second tallest player on the ATP tour at 6' 9'' and, since turning professional less than a year ago, has reached the final of the Legg Mason Tennis Classic and won two rounds at the 2007 US Open. The four-time All-American at the University of Georgia will participate in Olympus' activities to promote its brand, digital cameras and other consumer products related to its sponsorship of the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open. Given Isner's exponential growth and presence in the sport within the last year, his participation in Olympus promotional activities may include personal appearances at Olympus US Open Series events and the US Open as well as use of his likeness in media including television, radio, interactive, print and other collateral.
"I am honored that Olympus chose me to be a part of its promotional plans for such prominent events as the Olympus US Open Series and US Open, given the influence and visibility of these tournaments to millions of fans worldwide," says John Isner. "I couldn't ask for a more prestigious opportunity at this early stage in my professional tennis career."
Ranked 92nd in the world overall, Isner is considered by many to be the future of American tennis. In his US Open debut last year, Isner won the first set in his third-round match against world No. 1 Roger Federer. A North Carolina native, Isner was an Intercollegiate Tennis Association All American (ITA) each of his four years at the University of Georgia, leading his team to an unbeaten season (32-0) and NCAA title his senior year. He finished No. 1 in doubles and No. 2 in singles in the 2007 Fila Collegiate Tennis Rankings administered by the ITA, and was ranked No. 1 in singles for six ranking periods this past season (and three ranking periods as a junior).
"John has shown the remarkable caliber of his talent in the past year and it is great that Olympus has recognized his influence within the sport," says Sam Duvall, agent for John Isner. "We are excited for John to have such a significant presence within the Olympus US Open Series and the US Open, premier events in the industry."
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About BEST
BEST is a unified full-service sports and entertainment company. Current clients include musicians Janet Jackson and Chamillionaire, Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, NFL Pro Bowlers DeAngelo Hall and Will Smith, NBA All-Star Rasheed Wallace, 2007 NBA Lottery picks Joakim Noah and Corey Brewer, Australian, French and US Open Champion Justine Henin, US Open Champion Andy Roddick, No. 1 doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan, MMA star Houston Alexander, Minnesota basketball coach Tubby Smith, Louisville football coach Steve Kragthorpe and Ole Miss basketball coach Andy Kennedy. Clients signed for the 2008 NFL draft include Glenn Dorsey, Early Doucet, Andre' Woodson, Marcus Harrison, Josh Morgan and Chris Johnson. Media & Event properties include the US Open Tennis Championship, the French Open Tennis Championship, the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, numerous US-based ATP tournaments, Rock 'n Racquets, Hoop It Up, Let It Fly, Kick It, the Boston Marathon, the Superstars Competition, the AVP Beach Volleyball tour, Ice Wars, the World Cup of Softball, The Hartford Hall of Fame Showcase, the Men's and Women's Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships and the Men's Ford Tennis Championship. For more information, please visit http://www.experiencebest.com/
About Blue Equity
Blue Equity, LLC is an independent, private equity firm based in Louisville, Kentucky. It is committed to actively investing growth capital and business expertise in enterprises with solid development potential. Blue Equity forms strategic partnerships with existing management teams and leverages its expertise and relationships to stabilize, strengthen and grow lasting value. Investment efforts and managerial expertise are focused on the operation of a global and diversified portfolio of business enterprises, including opportunities in media, publishing, sports and entertainment, financial services, and real estate. Blue Equity is dedicated to helping businesses grow by accelerating opportunity and driving innovation to the marketplace. For more information, please visit http://www.blueequity.comabout/
Olympus
Olympus is a precision technology leader, creating innovative opto-digital solutions in healthcare, life science and consumer electronics products. Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and its affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines. These include:
- Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
- Advanced clinical and research microscopes;
- Lab automation systems, chemistry-immuno and blood bank analyzers and reagents;
- Digital cameras and voice recorders.
Olympus serves healthcare and commercial laboratory markets with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.