Ricoh extends title sponsorship of Women's British Open until at least 2016

Ricoh, the global technology and document services expert, has signed an agreement which confirms that it will continue as title sponsor of the Ricoh Women's British Open until at least the 2016 Championship, and the ten year anniversary from its first participation in 2007.

Ricoh will also continue to support the tournament organisers with its document services, which it ensures are carbon neutral through its Sustainability Optimisation programme. The announcement would seem to confirm the importance and strength of the Championship and the relationship between the primary stakeholders Ricoh, the Ladies Golf Union and IMG.

Simon Sasaki, Corporate Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Ricoh Company Ltd., explained the benefits for Ricoh of their association with the tournament: "The Ricoh Women's British Open is a global tournament that brings together the best golf players in the world. Each player, with the help of her team, is focused upon improving her golfing techniques year on year. This is how we like to work with our clients too, collaborating with them to understand the best ways to manage information, improve business agility and respond to their needs".

He added: "We are delighted to announce that we will extend our title sponsorship of the Ricoh Women's British Open until at least 2016 and continue collaborating with the LGU, IMG, LPGA and Ladies European Tour to further develop and enhance this great tournament in keeping with our imagine. change. tagline".

Ricoh Global Ambassador and World Number 14, Paula Creamer, who is seeking her second Major win at this week's Championship said: "It is great to know that the people at Ricoh are enjoying their relationship with us just as much as we are enjoying our relationship with them! From its document services behind the scenes to its global brand presence on the course, it has brought many benefits to the tournament. For example, it has grown its international status, been hosted by the best golf courses in the UK and allowed us to improve our game by attracting the best players in the world. On behalf of all the players I would like to say how very grateful we are for Ricoh's continued support and I hope we can all go out there this week and reward their support with some high quality golf on this beautiful course".

Shona Malcolm, Ladies' Golf Union's CEO, added: "I am thrilled to be here today sitting alongside Ricoh and IMG, as well as the LPGA and Ladies European Tour announcing Ricoh's long term commitment to our Championship. The success of this sponsorship for Ricoh and this announcement illustrates the strength of the women's game globally and the strength and value of the Ricoh Women's British Open as an effective marketing tool".

Guy Kinnings, Global Co-Managing Director, IMG Golf, added: "Renewing any sponsorship arrangement is very satisfying as it means that the partnership continues to align with the goals and values of all the teams that are involved. The women's game is growing in stature globally and works hard to present the best possible product for its partners. Ricoh is a fantastic supporter of women's golf and its continued support to 2016 is great news for all concerned. It is a testament to the LGU, the LPGA, the Ladies European Tour and the entire IMG Women's British Open team that the future of this great tournament looks so bright and we are thrilled to be announcing this great news today".

Speaking on behalf of the LPGA, Commissioner Mike Whan commented: "The Ricoh Women's British Open has always been a key event on the LPGA schedule and one which the players look forward to due to its long and prestigious history, world class host golf courses and great hospitality. I am delighted that this is set to continue for many more years with this announcement today".

Alex Armas, Executive Director of the Ladies European Tour concluded: "This is fantastic news and on behalf of the Ladies European Tour and our players I want to acknowledge how important Ricoh's investment and support has been for women's golf. Each year the Championship seems to get better and this is not only down to the expertise of the Ladies Golf Union and IMG, but also Ricoh who is a fantastic sponsor to have on board".

The Ricoh Women's British Open was founded by the LGU in 1976 and is staged in conjunction with IMG, the world's largest sports marketing company. The event has been co-sanctioned by the LPGA and LET since 1994 and gained Major status in 2001.