8-KOther Events

Aon plc 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Jan 12, 2010)

Filed January 12, 2010For Securities:AON

Summary

This 8-K filing from Aon plc (Aon Corporation at the time) on January 11, 2010, discloses a significant sponsorship agreement with Manchester United Football Club Limited. The agreement, entered into on May 24, 2009, grants Aon exclusive sponsorship rights, most notably featuring the Aon logo on the Manchester United playing kit from the 2010-2011 season through the 2013-2014 season. This partnership represents a substantial marketing investment for Aon, with a total payable amount of approximately £80 million over the four-year term. The filing indicates an initial payment of approximately £35.9 million made in the second quarter of 2009, which included a pro-rata down payment for each season. Investors should view this as a strategic move to enhance brand visibility and global reach through association with a prominent international sports franchise.

Key Highlights

  • 1Aon Corporation entered into a Shirt Sponsorship Agreement with Manchester United Football Club Limited on May 24, 2009.
  • 2The agreement grants Aon exclusive sponsorship and logo placement rights on Manchester United's playing kit.
  • 3The sponsorship will commence with the 2010-2011 season and conclude at the end of the 2013-2014 season.
  • 4The total financial commitment for Aon under this agreement is approximately £80 million.
  • 5Aon made an initial payment of approximately £35.9 million in Q2 2009, including a down payment for each of the four years.
  • 6This disclosure is being made concurrently with a similar announcement by Manchester United.
  • 7The filing confirms Aon's strategic investment in global brand visibility through sports marketing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is to publicly disclose a material sponsorship agreement between Aon Corporation and Manchester United Football Club Limited.

The agreement grants Aon exclusive rights for its logo to appear on the Manchester United playing kit for four seasons, starting from the 2010-2011 season through the 2013-2014 season. The total value of the deal is approximately £80 million.

Aon made a payment of approximately £35.9 million in the second quarter of 2009. This payment included a pro-rata down payment for each of the four years of the sponsorship agreement.

Aon is making this disclosure to inform its investors about this significant marketing agreement. The company is filing this report contemporaneously with Manchester United's disclosure in an Offering Memorandum, ensuring coordinated public communication.