El Corte Inglés joins the 32nd America’s Cup

El Corte Inglés joins the 32nd America’s Cup as a Supporter

Valencia, 6th June, 2005 – El Corte Inglés, a true institution in Spain and the leading Spanish retail store, has joined the 32nd America’s Cup as a Supporter, affirming local interest in and commitment to the America’s Cup.

El Corte Inglés dominates the retail sector in Spain, with annual sales of over €14-billion, selling top-name brands in clothing, white goods, and across its full product spectrum. It has been an important part of Spanish life for over sixty years, and today employs over 80 000 people.

In addition to its role as Supporter, El Corte Inglés is the Official Travel Agency of the 32nd America’s Cup and the Official Department Store of the 32nd America’s Cup. El Corte Inglés will establish a number of ‘America’s Cup Corners’ in its stores in Valencia and other major Spanish cities that will sell America’s Cup products.

“It is tremendous for us to have the s upport of such a popular and well known Spanish company as El Corte Inglés,” said Michel Bonnefous, the CEO of the organisers of the 32nd America’s Cup.

“El Corte Inglés is a name that everyone in Spain knows and associates with quality and excellence, and over time, the 32nd America’s Cup is becoming just as well known and respected in Valencia and Spain.”

El Corte Inglés was presented as an Offical Supporter at a ceremony in the Salón de Cristal at the Ayuntamiento in Valencia (the town hall).

On hand was the Mayor of Valencia, Rita Barberá, who said that the agreement with El Corte Inglés is another sign of the fundamental support Valencia and Spain is giving to the America’s Cup.

Isidoro Álvarez, the CEO of El Corte Inglés, said the arrangement with the 32nd America’s Cup would allow his company to participate in one of the most important international events ever to come to Spain.

“We are delighted to support the 32nd Americ a’s Cup,” he said. “Our strong national Spanish spirit fits well with the spirit of the America’s Cup and its commitment to excellence and achievement. I think this agreement will be of great benefit to all of us.”

The Valencia Louis Vuitton Acts 4 & 5, the opening races of the 2005 America’s Cup season, begin on the 16th of June, with 11 challengers, along with the Defender of the 32nd America’s Cup, Team Alinghi, racing off the coast of Valencia.

Note to editors:

Since 1851, the America’s Cup has transcended the sport of sailing to become a symbol of the pursuit of excellence.

The official partners LOUIS VUITTON, ENDESA, SANTANDER, ALCATEL and the America’s Cup share a heritage rich in passion, innovation and extraordinary human achievement.

The 32nd America’s Cup enjoys the support of Nespresso, Adecco, Ford and El Corte Inglés; our Supporters, and valuable contributors to the America’s Cup.
Racing for the 32nd America’s Cup – Valencia began with a series of Louis Vuitton Acts in 2004. The competition continues in 2005 and 2006, with several more Louis Vuitton Acts in Malmö-Skåne, Trapani, and Valencia, the Host City of the 32nd America’s Cup.

In 2007, a fleet race event will precede the Louis Vuitton Cup, the winner of which will then race the Defender, Team Alinghi, in the America’s Cup Match in Valencia

THE AMERICA’S CUP – THE STAGE FOR CREATING LEGENDS.

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