Louis Vuitton in Cup quit threat

by Ed Kemp, Marketing 03-Jul-07, 08:50

LONDON - Louis Vuitton has threatened to end its 24-year, multi-million-pound sponsorship of yachting's America's Cup should it be won by defending champion Alinghi.

In an extraordinary outburst, Louis Vuitton spokesman Bruno Trouble claimed that the event has been over-commercialised and that the Alinghi team is overly driven by financial concerns.

Swiss-owned Alinghi currently leads challenger Emirates Team New Zealand 4-2, and requires just one more victory to hang on to its title.

The victorious team dictates the venue for the next event; the vast majority of other teams taking part are backing Alinghi, as they fear sponsors will be put off if the event moves to New Zealand.

Alinghi's title defence is also being supported by Sir Keith Mills, whose Team Origin will participate at the next America's Cup.

Pic: ©ACM 2007/Photo:Guido Trombetta