Manchester City has sealed another Asian sponsorship deal, this time with a Vietnamese bank.
The latest partnership is a two-year link-up with Saigon Hanoi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB). SHB, which has been named the fastest growing Vietnamese Retail Bank by the Global Banking Finance Review, with over two million customers, will become City’s official affinity card partner in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
The deal will see the launch of the first-ever Manchester City debit card in the region, created to cater for the club’s growing Asian fan base. City branding, promoting the affinity card, will be present in more than 400 of SHB’s branches across Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, supported by an outdoor advertising, print and radio marketing campaign.
Benefits for cardholders also include the chance to win tickets to watch the team play in Manchester, exclusive behind the scenes Etihad Stadium tours, signed memorabilia and discounted club merchandise.
Tom Glick, Manchester City’s chief business officer, said: “With an average growth rate forecasted at over 30-per-cent per year, over the next five years, it’s an exciting time to team-up with a partner of SBH’s calibre, throughout the region.
“We have a fantastic fan base in South East Asia, which boasts some of the most enthusiastic City supporters in the world. The SHB Manchester City Debit Card will be the first of many innovative collaborations, geared towards embracing South East Asia’s passion for football, whilst providing SHB’s loyal customers with real value and once-in-a-life-time experiences.”
Mr Do Quang Hien, chairman of SHB, added: “Manchester City’s popularity and brand value in South East Asia has grown exponentially in recent years.
“SHB is a young, modern brand which shares the same aspirations and driving ambition for success as Manchester City.”