Gulf and Manchester United celebrate their partnership in China

On the occasion of Manchester United’s 2016 Tour of China, Gulf Oil China is proud to formally launch its partnership with the world’s leading football brand, to the Chinese market.

The partnership between Gulf and Manchester United was launched earlier this year. The ground breaking initiative  – the first such for Manchester United – sees Gulf joining Manchester United as the club’s official Global Lubricant and Fuel Retail Partner, in an agreement that runs initially until the end of the 2018-19 football season.

Manchester United are currently touring China, as part of their preparations for the 2016/17 season. At a media event in Shanghai today, ahead of their first match against Borussia Dortmund in the city later in the week, Gulf Oil Vice President International, Frank Rutten and Managing Director of Gulf Oil China, Arthur Liu were joined by Manchester United’s Director for Asia Jamie Reigle together with a number of First Team Players and Manchester United Legends Dwight Yorke and Denis Irwin.

Asia is a key area for Gulf, which already has a strong presence in India as well as rapidly developing businesses in China, the Middle East and Indonesia. China itself is a major global focus point for the brand and the partnership enables Gulf to engage with Manchester United’s worldwide fan base, which includes 325 million followers in Asia.

Gulf Oil’s Vice President International, Frank Rutten said: “Our partnership with Manchester United, surely the world’s greatest football name, has brought together two brands with incredible heritage and a great future together – and I see many parallels between us.

Manchester United recently took an historic twelfth FA Cup win, while Gulf continues to make its own history – achieving three consecutive years of 20% growth in branded lubricants. And just as United is gearing up for the future – having signed a couple of stellar names, both in the managing and playing area – so Gulf is also strengthening its hand, especially here in Asia, where we have just broken ground on a new world class lubricants factory. I remain incredibly excited about the prospect of us both moving forward together.”

Manchester United Commercial Director Jamie Reigle comments: “We have been proud to underline our continued commitment to China both on and off the football pitch.  We enjoy the passionate and loyal support of more than 100 million followers here, making this the country with more Manchester United fans than any other in the world.

“It has been very exciting to be joined by Gulf in this effort; it clearly sees China as a focal point for future growth.  We complement each other too; we are both proud of our history but equally equipped with a clear vision for the future, including how we maximise the great opportunities in China.

“Gulf’s very impressive strategy for China is naturally focused on its own industry and we are here preparing for the season ahead.  We have been impressed by the government’s drive to make this a footballing powerhouse and are exploring opportunities for future co-operation.  Our fundamental message, however, is the same; we are industry leaders who believe in partnership achieving mutual growth.  We are better together, when we stand United.“

Gulf Oil China MD, Arthur Liu expanded on Gulf’s plans to work with Manchester United in China: “With this partnership, both brands will have more opportunities for joint exposure in China and the chance for both to further consolidate their position in this market. With Manchester United this summer, in China, we are launching a series of co-branded activities, which will include: interactive online fan initiatives, a fan party, match screenings and so on. Going forward, we will enhance the interaction between the brands, using the passion of the fans.”

To celebrate the partnership, Gulf has launched dual branded lubricant packs – the United Oils – which feature Manchester United stars and which are available on Gulf’s best selling products.

About Gulf Oil International

Gulf Oil International Ltd (GOI) is part of the $18bn Hinduja Group. The Gulf lubricant brand is present in more than 110 countries, across five continents with the values of ‘Quality, Endurance & Passion’ as its core attributes. GOI’s primary business is manufacturing and marketing an extensive range of performance lubricants and associated products for all market segments.

GOI also licenses national fuel retail networks around the globe. The Gulf fuel brand is currently present at retail in 23 countries with more than 4000 outlets. The number of countries and outlets is growing rapidly year-on-year.

Other Gulf Oil International Group businesses include Gulf Oil Marine, which supplies lubricants to the worlds shipping industry and is present in more than 1000 ports worldwide, as well as the world’s most successful metalworking fluids company, Houghton International.

National Gulf businesses include Gulf Aviation’s specialist fuel supply, Gulf Express quick-lube franchises and Argenfrut crop protection.

GOI continues a proud heritage in endurance motor racing with its support of the Gulf Racing Porsche 991 RSR GTE in the World Endurance Championship. In Motorbike sport, GOI is a proud technical partner of BMW’s manufacturer-backed squad Team Milwaukee BMW and also supports nine times Top Fuel Motorcycle Champion Ian King, as both title sponsor and technical partner.

About Manchester United

Manchester United is one of the most popular and successful sports teams in the world, playing one of the most popular spectator sports on Earth. Through its 137-year heritage it has won 62 trophies, enabling it to develop the world’s leading sports brand and a global community of 659 million followers. Its large, passionate community provides Manchester United with a worldwide platform to generate significant revenue from multiple sources, including sponsorship, merchandising, product licensing, new media & mobile, broadcasting and match day.