: Sonangol becomes title sponsor

SONANGOL BECOMES SUPERLEAGUE FORMULA TITLE SPONSOR FOR 2009 AND 2010 SEASONS

24/06/2009 - Superleague Formula enters a significant new era after concluding a two-year partnership with African oil giant Sonangol for title sponsorship of the prestigious race series that combines the very best of international motor sport action with the passion and fervor of world-class club football. The 2009 season kicks-off at Magny-Cours in France this weekend (27/28 June) and will be renamed ‘Superleague Formula by Sonangol'.

Sonangol is a global company responsible for petroleum and natural gas production in Angola. Following Angola's independence from Portugal in 1975, Sonangol, the state owned company was formed in 1976 with a mandate to manage the country's substantial oil and natural gas reserves. Despite having the government as the sole shareholder, Sonangol has always been governed as a private company and is under strict performance standards to ensure efficiency and productivity.

"We are delighted to be announcing this new relationship with Sonangol which comes on the eve of the start of our second season and will play a major part in the on-going development and growth of Superleague Formula," said Alex Andreu, Superleague Formula President. "Sonangol is an ambitious company with global aspirations, so it's a perfect match for Superleague Formula, which has very similar objectives. Over the next two years we will work closely together to develop both of our brands."

Since its formation Sonangol has focused its resources on diversifying and expanding its business activities into new markets. Prioritizing the management of hydrocarbons, environmental protection and industrial safety, Sonangol has created a diversified business that is centered around oil. With headquarters in Luanda, Sonangol is proud to be a company with representations in the whole country. Overseas the company has offices in Democratic Congo, Sao Tome e Principe, Cape Vert, USA, England, Singapore and Chine. More than 10 subsidiaries and over 25 joint venture companies are now part of Sonangol Group.

"With a mixed economic status, Sonangol has expanded its core business into other activities and today is a self-made multinational company" explained Mr. Rosa Santos, Sonangol's spokes person, "We are confident this important new relationship with Superleague Formula will provide us with the perfect platform not only to promote our current international status but also to help us to continue growing our global business in the future. The mix of premier league motor sport and famous football brands has immense appeal and huge potential. We are proud to be part of such an innovative sporting series and are looking forward to the first round of the 2009 ‘Superleague Formula by Sonangol' in France on Sunday."

-credit: sf