Manchester United plans move into power supply

LONDON - Consumers could soon be buying gas and electricity from their favourite football team as Manchester United looks at extending its world famous brand into the energy market.

Manchester United is considering linking with a third party to brand the utilities, as part of its strategy to deliver added-value services to its huge fan base.



The club's supporters could be able to buy branded utilities from the start of next year as the club broadens its portfolio of products, which already includes a credit card, loans and insurance.



The initiative will be headed by the club's group marketing director Peter Draper, who said the club was looking at a range of options for a move into utilities.



"We are always looking at opportunities to supply additional services to our fans. Utilities is an area that we are looking closely at and we should have something to launch within 12 months," said Draper.



The club may offer a combined home services package of gas and electricity along with mortgages and insurance products.

Potential partners for the venture include Centrica, owner of British Gas. Centrica chief executive Roy Gardner was recently confirmed as chairman of Manchester United.



The club is also seeking a utilities brand to become a platinum sponsor, which could then become the supplier of services to fans.

Manchester United is the best supported team in the UK, with a membership base of 130,000.

United already has a mobile phone venture through its global partnership with Vodafone, the club's main sponsor. And last October it unveiled plans for a range of financial services.



United is reviewing its sponsorship programme in a bid to build its global profile. It has replaced Carling with Budweiser as its beer partner and is hunting a number of other platinum sponsors.



















Mark Kleinman, recommends

Manchester United official website

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