The AFP reported golfer Ryo Ishikawa "lost his major sponsor" when Panasonic announced it would not renew a deal with him next month. The company also said that it would end sponsorship of golf's Asian Tour Panasonic Open after its sixth edition in September '13 as the company is "undertaking various streamlining efforts" to rebuild its business (AFP, 12/13).
SETTING SAIL: In S.F., Eric Young notes the America’s Cup’s major sponsors held a summit last week “to discuss how they will take advantage of their pricey association” with the event. Puma and Louis Vuitton already have said that they “will be selling limited-edition America’s Cup merchandise in their retail stores.” Meanwhile, America’s Cup Athletes, Promotions & PR Dir Tim Jeffery said that the event “expected to finalize at least two more deals before the end of the year” (S.F. BUSINESS TIMES, 12/14 issue).
TAKING THEIR VITAMINS: Nutrition company USANA Health Sciences today announced that it has signed U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association freeskier Grete Eliassen and Nordic combined skiers Billy Demong, Bryan Fletcher and Taylor Fletcher as the company’s newest brand ambassadors (USANA).
