Under Armour^® Becomes Official Base Layer Apparel Partner of UK Reading Football Club & Sale Sharks Rugby Club

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As part of the drive to bring its Universal Guarantee of Performance to playing fields around the world, Under Armour, Inc., a leader in authentic performance gear, announced that they are the official base layer apparel supplier of the UK’s Reading Football Club and English rugby union champions, Sale Sharks.

“Under Armour products are extremely popular with our players and are proving equally popular with our supporters as well”

These relationships will provide Reading and Sale players with the competitive edge that comes from having access to a diverse assortment of the most technologically advanced apparel on the market. Under Armour’s innovative product lines, including UA Metal^TM, HeatGear^® and ColdGear^®, feature the company’s signature moisture-wicking fabrication and superior Moisture Transport System to keep athletes light and dry during the course of a game, practice or workout. While the technology is complex, the program for reaping the benefits is simple: wear HeatGear® when it's hot to stay cool during competition and ColdGear® when it's cold to provide warmth, faster moisture transport and better circulation.

“The Under Armour brand stands for authenticity, and Reading and Sale have proven themselves to be true competitors in the eyes of their fans and opponents,” said Ryan Wood, President of UA Europe B.V. “With the help of Under Armour’s superior technology as a base layer, we look forward to watching both teams reach new heights in on-field performance.”

The Reading Football Club is the first Premiership club in Britain to sign an official partnership with Under Armour; this will provide a major boost to Reading’s debut season in the FA Premier League.

“Under Armour products are extremely popular with our players and are proving equally popular with our supporters as well,” said Pat Coyne, Reading Commercial Director. “We’re proud to be the first Premiership club to partner with Under Armour and look forward to a long and successful relationship.”

The Sale Sharks won the Guinness Premiership crown last season and can now count on the support of Under Armour as they face competition on rugby fields across Europe in the new season.

Niels de Vos, Chief Executive of Sale Sharks, noted, “Our players fully appreciate the undeniable advantage that Under Armour apparel brings to their individual and collective performance. We’re excited to harness that power as we defend our title.”

In addition to football and rugby, Under Armour is also developing a strong brand presence in cricket in the UK and Ireland. Earlier in 2006, Under Armour signed an agreement with the English Cricket Board to become an official supplier of performance apparel to the England Test squad.

About Under Armour®

Under Armour® is a leading developer, marketer and distributor of branded performance apparel, footwear and accessories. The brand's moisture-wicking synthetic fabrications are engineered in many different designs and styles for wear in nearly every climate to provide a performance alternative to traditional natural fiber products. The company's products are sold worldwide and worn by professional football, baseball, and soccer players, as well as athletes in major collegiate and Olympic sports. The company’s global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland and it has offices in Denver, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, and Toronto.