There are reports this morning that Three owners Hutchinson Whampoa have begun negotiations to buy O2 in the UK from Telefonica.
The same deal on a smaller scale in Ireland took place last year and has resulted in the Three brand adorning three of Ireland’s largest sponsorship properties, the Irish soccer and rugby teams and the Three Arena.
In the UK it could mean similarly iconic sponsorships including the England Rugby team, and the O2 in London’s Docklands. Up until last year the brand also sponsored Arsenal Football Club.
O2 signed a four year extension with the English RFU in 2012 putting it on the same timetable as the two main Irish sporting deals.
While the deal in England would not have any financial impact on Three in Ireland it would increase the spread of coverage for the brand in relation to sport, and therefore be seen as a winner in marketing terms for the Irish brand.
BT sold O2 to Telefonica for £18 Billion (€23.5 Billion) in 2005. A deal to sell to Hutchinson Whampoa had previously been agreed before falling through.
Image Credit: O2
