Chelsea lines up Philips for 7m kit deal

Chelsea Football Club’s new sponsor could be electronics giant Philips, which is in talks with the club as well as with south London rival Wimbledon.

The company’s mobile phone arm – Consumer Communications – has been in talks with both clubs for several weeks. The division was set up only last May and is keen to raise brand awareness.

Chelsea spilt with Scottish Courage brand Coors last week (MW February 7) after asking double the fee for its next three-year deal. The club’s asking price is now understood to be between 6m and 7m.

Wimbledon has a sponsorship deal with IT firm Elonex, estimated to be worth 350,000 a year. But that fee could almost double due to the club’s good form on the pitch.

If Philips’ Consumer Communications division does reach a deal with Chelsea, it is likely to be a joint sponsorship with the main Philips brand. Philips has had a long-standing deal with top Dutch side PSV Eindhoven.

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