Borussia Monchengladbach has entered into a partnership with Chinese telecommunications company ZTE, while fellow German Bundesliga football club Hannover 96 has renewed its association with health insurance company AOK.
ZTE and Borussia have agreed a two-year deal, which will cover the 2016-17 and 2017-18 campaigns. The agreement names ZTE the smartphone partner of the club.
“For us, China is a highly exciting market because we want to continue to grow there,” Borussia managing director Stephan Schippers said. “That’s why we are pleased to have ZTE as a partner that brings us closer to the culture of China.”
The partnership marks the club’s first major sponsorship agreement with a Chinese company.
Meanwhile, AOK has extended its deal with Hannover despite the club’s recent relegation from the top flight. The new agreement will cover the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
AOK will continue to support the club’s youth programmes and raise awareness of subjects such as organ donation and family health. The company will also receive brand exposure at Hannover’s Niedersachsenstadion home ground, while its logo will feature on the team’s medical bags. In addition, AOK customers will receive a 10-per-cent discount on Hannover merchandise at the club’s fan shop.
The 2016-17 season will mark Hannover’s first in the second-tier 2.Bundesliga in 15 years.