Sunday, April 20, 2008

Timberlake Signs IMG Marketing Deal

Justin Timberlake has signed a marketing deal with sports and entertainment company IMG to handle the singer and actor's global endorsement deals.

As well as representing the pop star's commercial endorsements, IMG will handle Timberlake's "wide array" of golf interests.

This will include the development of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospital for Children Open in Las Vegas and the design and construction of an eco-friendly golf course in the singer's hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.

"We look forward to partnering with a superstar of his calibre and global appeal to further build his brand and expand his relationships with sponsors through endorsement partnerships," said Sandy Montag, the senior corporate vice-president at IMG Sports and Entertainment.

Timberlake, who rose to fame as part of boyband 'N Sync before striking out as a solo artist - more recently dabbling in acting in films such as Alpha Dog and Shrek the Third - is one of the most bankable marketing properties in the world.

He has had high profile tie-ups with a string of brands including McDonald's - the fast food chain based its global "I'm Lovin' it" campaign around him - and Pepsi.

Last year he struck a five-year deal with US golf's organising body, the PGA, to host the tour's Las Vegas event.

The PGA said he was the 14th celebrity to ever host an event, starting this October, joining the likes of Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.

IMG's founder, the late Mark McCormack, built the global sports management and marketing business up after starting out representing golfer Arnold Palmer in the 1960s.

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