It seems timely that this blog has a rugby flavour. For hardened rugby fans like us, it only adds to the enjoyment of doing jobs with a link to our national game. Don’t worry, neither Adidas or Telecom get a mention in this context.
First up, congratulations to Affinity ID on the sale of the Jimungo virtual sports business to APN Online (operators of nzherald.co.nz). We were delighted to be able to assist getting this deal done in time for the start of the “international-rugby-tournament-whose-name-may-not-be-used-in-connection-with- any-commercial-activity”**. Despite our insider knowledge of the Jimungo business, we haven’t improved our tipping of the winners of ITM Cup games…
Congratulations also to Rugby Travel & Hospitality for beating its sales targets for corporate hospitality and travel packages to the same international rugby union matches** during September and October – especially given the headwinds that they have faced during the global economic downturn. RTH was a client we had to leave behind at Minter Ellison (in very capable hands). They have worked incredibly hard to market New Zealand to thousands of overseas visitors – especially the businesses using the rugby for corporate entertaining. We’re sure that they will put on a memorable world-class event.
And while we are on the topic of congratulations, our good friend Rodger Shepherd has put his career as a private equity investor on hold to take up the role as CEO of NZX-listed Mercer Group. We wish him well. Rodger also has a strong connection to rugby – as a long time colleague of former All Black captain David Kirk – with whom he most recently worked to produce the Rugby Issue of the World Collections magazine.
**for more information on the impact of the Major Events Management Act 2007 on your business, give us a call.
