Aston Villa secure new £15 million kit deal with Macron

Tue 7th Feb 2012 | Football Sponsorship

Aston Villa have signed a record-breaking £15 million kit deal with an Italian sportswear manufacturer to replace current supplier Nike.

Macron will produce Villa’s playing strip, replica kit, training wear and other clothing merchandise for the next four years.

It is the most lucrative kit agreement in the football club’s history with the new suppliers replacing American sportswear giants Nike at the end of this season.

Villa chose Macron from a field of more than 10 other manufacturers across the world after deciding the Bologna-based firm were the perfect fit.

The new home kit will go on sale in June, with the away strip on sale in July from the Villa Park and New Street outlets and Villa’s online store.

Villa’s merchandising manager John Greenfield said: “We have negotiated with more than 10 sports brands across Europe, America and China over the past six months looking for the best partner for both Aston Villa and our supporters. Macron ticked all the boxes for the club and we were very impressed with the overall set-up and experience they have in the manufacturing of football kits.

“The design team and range of products on offer to the club was second to none and suited our requirements.

“The style and quality of the replica shirts and the enthusiasm to work with the club in the overall design and production of our shirts was a key part of the decision to sign with Macron.”

Villa have enjoyed a close relationship with Nike during their five-year £10 million deal despite some teething troubles with the quality of kits.

Macron also produce the kits of clubs including Napoli, Bologna, Leeds, West Ham, Real Mallorca and Braga and Mr Greenfield explained why Villa chose the respected Italian company.

“Our objective was to sign up with a technical sportswear manufacture who could offer, not only match kit and training wear for the players and management, but a full range of product for both our supporters and customers,” he added.

“A brief was given by the Aston Villa merchandise team based at Villa Park to ensure that the range of official products suits the needs of all. We have worked closely with the Italian design team in Bologna, Italy, looking at the latest technical fabric to develop an exciting range of goods.”

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