SUPPLIER UMBRO UPS STAKE IN MINOR LEAGUES

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United Soccer Leagues, which is comprised of the country’s leagues beneath the top-flight Major League Soccer (MLS), has announced that sportswear supplier Umbro has acquired an additional 30 percent stake in the league. The acquisition ups the company’s controlling interest in the USL to 94 percent, with the remaining 6 percent held by USL founder Franciso Marcos.

“UMBRO has great confidence in the growth potential of the USL and its management,” said senior vice-president Martin Prothero. “As a brand whose only interests lie in soccer, this investment ensures UMBRO's position is retained at the heart of the sport in North America which we see as being increasingly important from an earnings perspective. We look forward to working closer in the future with all stakeholders in the league to the benefit of all involved.”

Umbro bought the controlling interest previously held by Varsity Spirit.

Said Marcos: “We are excited about UMBRO's increased investment in USL, and in turn North American soccer,” said Marcos. “UMBRO has been a longstanding, tremendous partner for over 10 years now and their increased commitment strengthens our resolve to continue our work in developing players, clubs and our soccer nations.”

Umbro supplies playing and training kits to the England, Republic of Ireland, Sweden and Norway national teams, plus leading professional clubs around the world.