Everton look to Finland for latest signing

Everton FC have signed a new deal to make Rovio Entertainment, the Finnish company behind the Angry Birds games, their first ever shirt sleeve sponsor.

The multi-year agreement saw the Angry Birds logo debut on the players’ left sleeves during their clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford yesterday (September 17).

Everton are now looking to utilise Espoo-headquartered Rovio’s broad digital reach – comprising 80m monthly active players, 25m Facebook followers and over 3bn YouTube views – to create new branded content using the EFC crest, players and stadium.

Robert Elstone, the Blues’ chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that Rovio Entertainment has become Everton’s first shirt sleeve partner.

“Angry Birds is one of the best-selling game apps of all time and is also a remarkable success story in terms of the way in which the brand has crossed over from gaming to become part of popular culture.”

He added: “Everyone here is excited about being able to work with such a creative, dynamic and ambitious brand.”

Since its launch at the end of 2009, Angry Birds has been downloaded over 3.7bn times.

The club’s head of commercial, Alan McTavish, commented: “Rovio Entertainment recognise the global reach that Everton can deliver through its international fanbase and the global exposure of the Premier League.

“In return, working with Rovio and the Angry Birds brand gives Everton exposure in key international markets through their breadth of digital channels in gaming and animation, as well as a wide range of co-branded merchandise.”