PSV Eindhoven (foto: Uradni Twitter profil kluba/zveze)
Philips and PSV have earned a spot in the Guinness Book of Records for what Philips describes as the longest-running sponsorship agreement in the world.
Philips CEO Roy Jakobs and PSV president Marcel Brands will receive the corresponding certificate on Friday, as reported by the company.
Philips founded PSV (Philips Sport Vereniging) in 1913, exactly 110 years ago this week. Now, they receive recognition as "Longest time to sponsor a sports team" in the Guinness Book of World Records. According to the Dutch parties, they claim this title from the Ford Motor Company and the Australian Geelong Football Club, who had a partnership of 98 years.
"Philips, of course, forms the foundation of our club's past, present, and future," says Marcel Brands, the general director of PSV. "Although the nature of the sponsorship has changed over the years, we remain extremely grateful for Philips' commitment. We continue to innovate together and collaborate on community initiatives that involve the entire region."
To mark their entry into the famous book, a video has been created featuring the late Frits Philips. In the video, the once highly regarded "Mr. Frits" seemingly steps down from his monument's pedestal, strolls through Eindhoven, and happily notes that his company and the football club "continue to work together shoulder to shoulder."