FIS MEDIA INFO: Viessmann becomes overall Presenting Sponsor for FIS Nordic disciplines

Oberhofen, 16.10.2012/--The International Ski Federation (FIS) and Viessmann, a long-time supporter of winter sports, are pleased to announce a great expansion and continuation of their partnership in support of Nordic Skiing. Viessmann, one of the leading international manufacturers of heating systems, will become the Presenting Sponsor of all the FIS Nordic disciplines from the upcoming 2012/2013 season onwards.

As Presenting Sponsor, Viessmann will be partnering with the FIS World Cup series in Cross-Country Skiing, ladies’ and men’s Ski Jumping, and Nordic Combined. In addition, Viessmann has sealed its commitment to the FIS Nordic disciplines by entering into a multi-year relationship as Presenting Sponsor of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, including the 2013, 2015 and 2017 editions in Val di Fiemme (ITA), Falun (SWE) and Lahti (FIN), respectively. The six-year extension of Viessmann’s dedication builds on nearly two decades of winter sports sponsoring and is well aligned with the company’s brand values of innovation, top quality, efficiency, sustainability and reliability.

"FIS is highly pleased to build on the partnership with Viessmann during the next six years," commented FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. "Our organization puts great value on nurturing long-term relationships with partners and finding creative solutions to grow the sport. We are looking forward to joining forces with Viessmann to seek new, innovative ways to engage Nordic Skiing fans."

Since the 1993/94 season, Viessmann has been known for its commitment to winter sports and has formed a strong partnership with several national associations and international sports federations, as well as with different World Cup series. In the 2002/2003 season, the company became a major sponsor of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup series and two years later, its sponsorship was extended to the FIS Cross-Country World Cup series. With the launch of the ladies’ FIS Ski Jumping World Cup last year, Viessmann added the top level of ladies’ Ski Jumping competitions to its portfolio.

The multi-discipline, multi-year Viessmann engagement came together thanks to the great industry know-how and experience in Nordic Skiing provided by FIS Marketing AG, which is led by Christian Pirzer: “This long-term commitment is a milestone for Nordic Skiing and proof that the structure of FIS Marketing AG is able to develop successful partnerships which are ‘stronger and longer’ than anything else seen in this industry. We shall work hard to deliver the return for Viessmann's investment and thank them for their trust.”

Recently appointed FIS Marketing AG Nordic Director Jürg Capol will lead the Viessmann sponsorship implementation and bring his extensive experience to the relationship. Jürg Capol served as the FIS Cross-Country Race Director for nine years and led, among other new ideas, the development of the highly successful FIS Tour de Ski multi-stage competition series which Viessmann has also supported from its launch.

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About FIS

FIS is the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding, founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIS manages the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. Through its 115 member nations, more than 6’500 FIS ski and snowboard competitions are staged annually. Specific initiatives are undertaken by FIS to promote snow activities as a healthy leisure recreation, notably for the young.

For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com.

About Viessmann

The Viessmann Group is one of the leading international manufacturers of heating systems. Founded in 1917, the family business maintains a staff of approximately 9,600 employees and generates 1.86 billion Euro in annual group turnover. With 24 production divisions in 11 countries, subsidiaries and representations in 74 countries and 120 sales offices around the world, Viessmann is an internationally orientated company. 55 Percent of sales are derived from export activities.

Viessmann offers a comprehensive product range with heat sources for single or two-family homes, large residential complexes, commercial and industrial buildings or local heating networks, for all fuel types and with outputs ranging from 1.5 to 116.000 kW.

For more information, please visit www.viessmann.com.

About FIS Marketing AG

Established in the autumn of 2009, FIS Marketing AG is an independently run and staffed strategic joint venture owned by FIS as the majority shareholder, and by Tridem Sports and Infront Sports & Media as equal shareholding partners. It has the objective of enhancing the value of FIS marketing rights and developing sponsorship projects as well as providing improved service to FIS partners.

Led by Christian Pirzer, FIS Marketing AG is incorporated under Swiss law and based in Freienbach, Switzerland. Besides managing the sales and handling of FIS controlled marketing rights it leverages the know-how and experience of its shareholders to offer event and marketing services and consultancy to the sports marketplace.

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