Lacoste signs on as premier sponsor for 2006 Family Circle Cup

"Lacoste has served as a leader in professional tennis for so many years and we are proud to be affiliated with a company that shares in our belief of creating a quality product," stated Frankie Whelan, executive director, Family Circle Cup. "As a brand Lacoste is able to combine classic clothing with today’s trend-setting styles and as our official apparel sponsor they will add so much to the look of next year’s Family Circle Cup."

As the "Official Apparel" of the 2006 Family Circle Cup, Lacoste will outfit all volunteers, umpires, ball crew and tournament staff with Lacoste clothing. As a premier level sponsor, Lacoste will receive a commercial television package and on-court presence during the tournament. Lacoste will showcase some of their clothing in a special fashion show during the tournament week.

"The Family Circle Cup, as one of the premier U.S. women’s professional tennis events, is a natural fit for Lacoste," said Bob Siegel, CEO of Lacoste USA. "We are proud to build on our deep roots in professional tennis, and we look forward to giving next year’s Family Circle Cup the look and feel of the Lacoste brand."

For over 70 years, Lacoste has played an instrumental role in the evolution of tennis. Founded by French tennis star Rene Lacoste, the company revolutionized the world of tennis in 1933 by creating a short-sleeved tennis shirt. Lacoste has grown into a multi-faceted company that features sportswear, footwear, perfume, leather goods, eyewear and watches. Today, as one of the most well known brands in the world, there are over 800 Lacoste boutiques and 2000 stores displaying clothing and other Lacoste products throughout the world in more than 110 countries. At present Lacoste has a strong presence in professional tennis through the French Tennis Federation and the French Open. The company is also a key sponsor for the ATP Tour Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, China.