HEAD/Penn AND ATP EXPAND THEIR WORLDWIDE PARTNERSHIP

HEAD/Penn Racquet Sports has announced the company’s worldwide sponsorship of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) as the “Official Tennis Racquet and Tennis Bag” of the organization. This sponsorship is in addition to Penn’s existing sponsorship as the Official Tennis Ball of the ATP, which began in 1993. This extended three-year agreement started as of January 2006.

“This partnership strengthens HEAD's relationship with one of the most respected organizations in the global tennis community,” says Johan Eliasch, CEO of HEAD NV. "It also solidifies our leadership position on the ATP tour, as thirty percent of the top 100 ATP touring pros already play with HEAD racquets. HEAD and the ATP are a natural fit between two internationally recognized leaders in tennis.”

Under this agreement HEAD is the exclusive license as the “Official Tennis Racquet and Tennis Bag of the ATP”. To leverage the joint brand recognition in the marketplace, HEAD will introduce a co-branded line of bags that will be distributed globally. Further specific programs are jointly developed with a special focus on the Chinese market – one of the most promising growth markets for the game of tennis.

With 64 tournaments in 31 countries in 2006, the ATP showcases the finest athletes competing in the most exciting venues. From Australia to Europe and the Americas to Asia, the season-long INDESIT ATP Race and ATP Doubles Race unites players, teams and tournaments in a quest for success.