At the end of the year, the All Blacks will lose their main sponsor, the American insurance giant AIG, whose name has been on their jersey since 2012, and the New Zealand Rugby Federation is looking for a new partner.
Midi Olympique
revealed in its Monday edition that the Altrad group, jersey sponsor of the XV of France, had expressed its interest in that of the All Blacks.
"Negotiations are underway" and "nothing has been done," said Mohed Altrad, interviewed by
L'Equipe
.
“The All Blacks have been the best in rugby world terms for a long time.
We are interested, it is true.
But to date, nothing has been done.
It is impossible to say that the Altrad group will be the next jersey sponsor of the All Blacks, ”explained Mohed Altrad, president of the eponymous group specializing in the production of materials for construction and public works.
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“Negotiations are underway.
We don't want to buy the All Blacks, just be sponsors.
We trade, as AIG has done, as we are currently doing with the French team.
We do not want to interfere in management or impose any constraint, ”added the one who also chairs the Montpellier club.
"
The price comes into play significantly because the amounts before or after the pandemic are no longer the same
"
Mohed Altrad
“I am not at the forefront of the negotiations.
I delegated this to one of my sales managers.
But let's say that, in the proposed deal, there are things that may be suitable, others not.
The price comes into play significantly because (...) the amounts before or after the pandemic are no longer the same, ”continues Altrad, whose company became a jersey sponsor of the Blues in 2018. The Neo Federation Zeeland, which is also negotiating the entry of an investment fund to its capital, had entered into a sponsorship contract with AIG estimated at 44 million euros for the last five years.
“We are wondering about our contract with the France team.
It is not '' straight forward '' (
rectilinear
) because having the same sponsor of two major rugby nations has never been seen.
Is it justified to make efforts on both teams, should one favor one?
And then what type of offer to seize? ”, Also specified Mohed Altrad.
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