Tigers snare AFG as new co-major partner!
10:16:52 AM Thu 14 April, 2005
richmondfc.com.au
The Richmond Football Club is delighted to announce that it has signed a new co-major partner.
Richmond Chief Executive, Steven Wright, today revealed that the
Australian Finance Group has agreed to join the Club as its co-major partner and back of jumper sponsor for the 2005 and 2006 seasons, with an option for a further two years.
AFG is Australia’s largest wholesaler of mortgage finance and in the top three mortgage networks worldwide.
The company, which was established in 1994, provides more than 20% of brokers nationwide, with access to 45 of Australia’s leading lending institutions. AFG has been recognised as one of Australia’s fastest growing companies for the second year running, in the ‘BRW (Business Review Weekly) Fast 100 List’.
“We spoke to 20 companies over the past two weeks, and are extremely pleased to join forces with a company that is so strong in the Australian financial services sector,” Wright said.
“As one of Australia’s fastest growing companies, we believe AFG sits very well alongside the Richmond brand as we launch a new era at Tigerland.
“Having two companies of the quality of AFG and Motorola as co-major partners of the Tigers, provides great stability for the future of the Richmond Football Club.”
Australian Finance Group Executive Director, Malcolm Watkins, believes Richmond is an ideal fit for his company from a partnership perspective.
“This is a magnificent opportunity for AFG to support one of Australia’s great football clubs,” he said.
“AFG and Richmond share a similar philosophy, involving partnerships, commitment, dedication and passion. We welcome the opportunity to provide the Tigers with the financial security they need to realise their dreams.”
The AFG logo will be in place on the backs of the Richmond players’ guernseys for this Sunday’s match against Fremantle at the MCG. Other AFG branding will appear on Club apparel and signage at the ground.
AFG FAST FACTS
* AFG is Australia’s largest wholesaler of mortgage finance, and one of the world’s top three mortgage networks. Established in 1994, the company provides more than 20% of brokers nationwide with access to 45 of Australia’s leading lending institutions, including the top 20 banks.
* For the second year running, AFG has been recognised as one of Australia’s fastest growing companies in the ‘2004 BRW Fast 100 List’. Ranked at number 46 on the list, with 67% turnover growth, it is the largest turnover business in the top 100.
* AFG is a privately owned company, with major shareholders including Macquarie Bank, Allianz and Tower.
* AFG members collectively processed over 72,000 mortgages for their customers in the 2004 fiscal year, setting an all-time Australian record.
* AFG now accounts for more than 7.5% of home loan lending in Australia, which means if it was a bank, it would rank at number 6 behind St George Bank.
* AFG now has a mortgage book in excess of $23 billion dollars.
* AFG’s website can be located at
www.afgonline.com.au.
http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=196029