With Manchester United currently touring China, as part of their preparations for the 2016/17 season, Gulf Oil China took the opportunity to formally launch the partnership at a media event in Shanghai last week. The partnership will enable Gulf to engage with Manchester United’s worldwide fan base, which includes 325 million followers in Asia.
“Our partnership with Manchester United has brought together two brands with incredible heritage and a great future together – and I see many parallels between us,” said Frank Rutten, Gulf Oil’s vice president international. Mr Rutten was joined at the event by Arthur Liu, managing director of Gulf Oil China and Manchester United’s commercial director Jamie Reigle together with a number of first team players and legends Dwight Yorke and Denis Irwin.
“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,” said Jamie.
“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.”
To celebrate the partnership, which will initially run until the end of the 2018-19 football season, 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.
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