27/09-11 - Pressemeddelelse

Colombian International Falcao signs for Puma

Sportlifestyle Brand Announces Partnership with Atlético Madrid's Star Striker

Herzogenaurach, Germany (27 September, 2011) - PUMA announced today that it has signed a long-term contract with Radamel Falcao. Hot on the heels of Sergio Agüero, Falcao is the latest international star striker to join PUMA's growing football player portfolio, meaning the sportlifestyle brand has signed two of the top three football transfers of 2011. Atlético Madrid's record signing has chosen to wear the PUMA v1.11 Speed boot in the lead green colourway, and debuted the boot on pitch this weekend during Atlético Madrid's game against Barcelona.

Falcao will feature prominently in PUMA's global football communication as another top tier asset spearheading communication around the PUMA v1.11 Speed boot. With his pace, skill and trickery, he has made an explosive start to his La Liga career - scoring five goals in four games already this season, these attributes make him the perfect player for this marketing programme. Falcao joins Sergio Agüero, Samuel Eto'o, Mario Gomez, Ibrahim Afalley, Loic Remy and other lead players who have chosen the PUMA v1.11.

Speaking about the new partnership, Falcao said; "I have made two great moves this past couple of months, one to Atlético Madrid and the second to sign this partnership with PUMA. Both are big steps towards moving my career forward and achieving my goals. I have always had big ambitions in football - I am proud to be playing in La Liga, and working with PUMA on the global marketing campaigns they have developed is very exciting for me. I fully believe in the plans they have developed, and love the PUMA v1.11 boots."

Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA commented, "Falcao is another fantastic addition to our player roster in football. He is such an exciting talent, the impact he has made in La Liga already speaks volumes for his ability and determination to succeed. He was the top scorer of the Europa League last season and is quickly establishing himself as one of the top strikers in the game. PUMA has some big plans for Falcao in the coming months and years, which we're very much looking forward to working on."

The PUMA v1.11 Speed Boot that Falcao will wear is amongst the lightest football boots PUMA has ever made. It is the third generation boot that uses the special UNI technology, where the upper material is stitched rather than glued to the sole, providing the perfect fit by perfectly replicating the unique PUMA Aptolast. In addition, the v1.11 enables greater playing stability, through an external heel counter and a Pebax frame that provides support to the outsole. This increased stability also enables an optimal traction as well as manoeuvrability, provided through the pointed stud configuration featured on this new boot. The PUMA v1.11 also features a super soft premium lightweight microfiber upper material. A carbon fiber composite in the forefoot helps provide optimal pressure distribution, reactivity and flexibility.

For more information, visit www.puma.com or www.puma.com/football

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Media Contacts:

Collette O'Neill, International PR, PUMA
+49 9132 81 2705
collette.oneill@puma.com

Sarah Stade, International PR, PUMA
+49 9132 81 2003
sarah.stade@puma.com

PUMA
PUMA is one of the world's leading Sportlifestyle companies that designs and develops footwear, apparel and accessories. It is committed to working in ways that contribute to the world by supporting Creativity, SAFE Sustainability and Peace, and by staying true to the principles of being Fair, Honest, Positive and Creative in decisions made and actions taken. PUMA starts in Sport and ends in Fashion. Its Sport Performance and Lifestyle labels include categories such as Football, Running, Motorsports, Golf and Sailing. Sport Fashion features collaborations with renowned designer labels such as Alexander McQueen, Mihara Yasuhiro and Sergio Rossi. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and Tretorn. The company, which was founded in 1948, distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs more than 9,000 people worldwide and has headquarters in Herzogenaurach/Germany, Boston, London and Hong Kong. For more information, please visit http://www.puma.com