Juventus has announced a new partnership with Energy Trade International. Under the new deal, the company's logo will be displayed on pitch-side LED screens, interview backdrops and across the club's various communication platforms (Juventus). ... Swiss-based insurance company Zurich Versicherung "has signed on as TV programming sponsor for the 2013 FIS Nordic Ski World Championships." The insurance group acquired the last remaining sponsoring package of German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF "as presenting sponsor for the championship" that will take place in Val di Fiemme, Italy from Feb. 21 - March 3 (HORIZONT, 1/8). ... Brasileiro club Vasco has agreed to a partnership with Kraft Foods for the Campeonato Carioca (Rio de Janeiro State Championship). The company will have its brand Fresh on the back of the team's jersey. Terms of the deal were not disclosed (MAQUINA DO ESPORTE, 1/7).
IN GERMANY: Bielefeld, Germany-based construction supply company Schüco "will drastically reduce its sports sponsorship deals and focus more on its core business." Company shareholder Hinrich Mählmann said the company's involvement in int'l golf will be "reduced to zero." An exemption is Schüco's stadium naming-rights deal with 3rd League club Arminia Bielefeld. The company said it understands its "local responsibility" and wants to enter negotiations regarding its SchücoArena naming-rights deal, which expires at the end of the year (NEUE WESTFÄLLISCHE, 1/7). ... The German Basketball Federation (DBB) has signed a new partnership deal with insurance group ERGO. The new partnership went into effect on Jan. 1 and runs through '14. The new partnership will, amongst other areas, focus on a renewed fan project (DBB).
