The Cronulla Sharks today confirmed international electronics brand, Hisense Australia, as its major sponsor for the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Hisense is an international manufacturer of televisions, refrigerators and air conditioning products. The Cronulla Sharks are thrilled with the newly-formed partnership as they continue to re-launch and re-establish themselves as a leader both on and off the field. Hisense Australia Managing Director, Kevin Ke, said he was excited to announce the partnership deal, which forges a key component of the brand’s big picture, long-term commitment to the Australian market.

“Like the Cronulla Sharks fans who have shown their unfailing support week after week to the club throughout its proud history, Hisense Australia is also here to stay; providing superior consumer electronics to Australian consumers for the long-term future,” Ke said.

“Our partnership with the Cronulla Sharks cements the start of even greater growth for the brand as we stand on the verge of an exciting future in the Australian market. This partnership is an ideal opportunity to not only increase our brand awareness along the east coast but to help share the defining moments in the Sharks’ history and support the club as it embarks on a new chapter this season,” he said.

Sharks Chief Executive, Richard Fisk, said the club was delighted to have secured a two-year agreement with an international brand. “It’s a massive vote of confidence to have a major international brand like Hisense supporting the Sharks along with other international companies Toyota and Coldwell Banker and national brands like B2B, Shire Steel Supplies, Schweppes, ISC, CUB, Gatorade and a host of other supporters,” Fisk said.

“The changes we have implemented at the club have been embraced by our Members and existing sponsors and now Hisense is on board to boost our resurgence even further.”

Over the last six months, the Cronulla Sharks has enjoyed a tremendous period off the field with a number of existing sponsors and new sponsors giving their financial support. Membership has also grown nearly 40% on the 2009 season, the third highest growth percentage in the NRL competition.

Hisense has enjoyed outstanding growth with the brand becoming the fifth largest brand in the Australian consumer electronics LCD television market in 2009, armed with in excess of a 5% market share, despite only being available to Australian consumers since 2006. Over the past three years, Hisense Australia has grown by an average year-on-year growth of 60%.

For more information call 1800 HISENSE (1800 447 367) or visit Hisense Australia.

From: sharks.com.au