Caterpillar, the world's leader in construction and mining equipment, engines and related services, has signed a five-year multi-million-pound sponsorship agreement with Leicester Tigers, the best-supported rugby union club in the country.

With 2007 global sales and revenues of over $44.9billion, Caterpillar employs more than 12,000 people in the UK and this partnership with England’s most famous rugby club is intended to support their national and international business and community objectives.    

Richard Cooper (managing director, building construction products, Europe) of Caterpillar said: “The UK has been a home for Caterpillar for over 50 years and it started here in Leicestershire, so we are delighted to be partnering with the Tigers, the leading brand in club rugby.

“Our core business values of integrity, excellence, teamwork and commitment reflect that of the Tigers and our heritage in the Leicester area makes this sponsorship an ideal platform to further support our business and community objectives.

“Rugby is a global sport enjoyed by Caterpillar customers, enterprise partners, employees and their families around the world. This agreement provides us with a fantastic environment to strengthen existing relationships as well as building new ones.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Caterpillar will become the club’s sole sponsor across the Leicester Tigers playing kit with dominant branding throughout the Welford Road stadium, including the naming rights to the North Stand which is being redeveloped this summer and the members’ lounge. Significant player appearances and exclusive matchday hospitality also form part of the deal. 

Leicester Tigers chief executive Peter Wheeler said: “We are delighted to be entering into this partnership with Caterpillar. The introduction of such a respected, global brand into the sport should be celebrated throughout the rugby world and reflects well on the quality and development of the Guinness Premiership.

“We have a number of joint strategic goals, but this really marks the beginning of a partnership, which sees both Tigers and Caterpillar working towards strengthening their positions in the UK and Europe.
 
“We have had a relationship with Caterpillar for a number of years and are aware of their reputation and standing. We are looking forward to this significant enhancement of our relationship, which we believe will set new standards in regard to partnerships between professional sports clubs and commercial sponsors.”