HEAD AND ATP RENEW GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP

On the heels of plans to expand the company’s tennis business in Asia and particularly in China, HEAD NV recently committed additional funding to various worldwide sponsorships, including the ATP Masters Series, solidifying the company’s dedication to the racquet sports industry.

The company recently renewed its sponsorship of the ATP Masters Series and the Tennis Masters Cup through 2009. HEAD/Penn has served as the official ball of the ATP since 1993 and of the ATP Masters Series since 2001. Since 2006 HEAD is also the official bag and racquet of the ATP.

“HEAD/Penn is proud to be an ATP and Tennis Masters Cup sponsor,” said Robert Marte, Division Manager, HEAD Racquet Sports. “We have a long history with the professional tournament circuit and are proud that the world’s best players play with our equipment during their most competitive moments on the court.”

"It is always reassuring to know that in times of change some things remain constant - our partnership with HEAD/Penn certainly fits that category," said Etienne de Villiers, ATP Chairman and President. "HEAD/Penn not only provides great benefits for players and tournaments, they work with the ATP to improve the player and fan experience with initiatives like the Penn $1 Million Challenge held on ATPtennis.com last August. In the coming years, as we continue to grow the ATP and tennis, we will be looking to progressive partners such as HEAD/Penn to further promote and support the game, players and tournaments."

According to a player survey conducted earlier this year, HEAD/Penn is the #1 preferred tennis ball brand of professional players. HEAD/Penn products are also the most widely used tennis balls in men’s professional tennis. Of all ATP tournaments in Europe and North America 53% and 40% respectively were played with HEAD/Penn balls. Globally 43% of all tournaments selected HEAD/Penn as the official ball, amongst them all 9 tournaments of the Masters Series as well as the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai.

The ATP Masters Series is comprised of the nine premier tournaments in men’s professional tennis circuit with the year-end Tennis Masters Cup held in Shanghai/China from 2005 - 2008.