Sun Life Becomes Official Insurance Partner of Cirque du Soleil
Big Top and Arena Touring Shows, and Presenting Partner of New,
Forthcoming Show
Sponsorship Accompanies New Sun Life Branding Campaign in U.S.
The U.S. division of Sun Life Financial Inc. (NYSE: SLF, TSX: SLF) today
announced an exciting new partnership with Cirque du Soleil®, the
world-renowned artistic entertainment organization. Sun Life has become
the Official Insurance Partner of Cirque du Soleil U.S. Big Top
Touring Shows, U.S. Arena Touring Shows, and the Presenting Partner of a
major new Cirque du Soleil U.S. show to be announced next month.
This sponsorship is the first in a series of announcements comprising a
new, national branding campaign for Sun Life Financial in the United
States.
“We’re excited to become a part of the Cirque du Soleil magic and
align their rich history and theatrical masterpieces with Sun Life’s
brand,” said Priscilla Brown, SVP and Head of U.S. Marketing. “Both of
us share the sun as the core of our identity and the similarities of our
audiences make this an ideal and very integrated sponsorship. Cirque
du Soleil’s widespread presence and reputation will enable Sun Life
to reach millions of prospects and customers across America. We look
forward to showcasing our fiscal strength through this relationship,
which is a core component of our new branding campaign.”
Sponsorship in Cirque du Soleil Big Top Touring Shows (“KOOZA™”
and “OVO™”) and Arena Touring Shows (“Saltimbanco ™” and “Alegría™”)
will bring Sun Life’s brand to over 30 markets across America. As a
sponsor, Sun Life will also be given prominent exposure in all
advertising and promotional material Cirque du Soleil develops to
promote its Big Top, Arena and future show.
“We're thrilled to have Sun Life aboard as a new sponsor for the next
year,” said Ryan Sandilands, Corporate Alliances Senior Director at
Cirque du Soleil. “The sponsorship is a great match for both of us, as
Cirque du Soleil seeks partnerships with companies who share the same
attributes, such as excellence, performance and engagement.”
About Sun Life Financial
Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services
organization providing a diverse range of protection and wealth
accumulation products and services to individuals and corporate
customers. Chartered in 1865, Sun Life Financial and its partners today
have operations in key markets worldwide, including Canada, the United
States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan,
Indonesia, India, China and Bermuda. As of June 30, 2009, the Sun Life
Financial group of companies had total assets under management of US
$341.9 billion.
Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and
Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under ticker symbol SLF. Visit Sun Life
Financial’s website at www.sunlife-usa.com.
About Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2009. From the 20 or
so performers the company featured when it all began in 1984,
Quebec-based Cirque du Soleil has become a leading provider of quality
entertainment with 4,000 employees, including 1,000 artists from some 40
countries.
Cirque du Soleil has thrilled close to 90 million spectators in more
than 200 cities on five continents. In 2009, the organization will have
20 different shows playing around the world. The success of Cirque has
been recognized with a number of awards, notably the Emmy, Drama Desk,
Bambi, ACE, Gémeaux and Félix, as well as the coveted Rose d'or de
Montreux.
Sun Life Financial
David Jacobson, 781-446-1955
david.jacobson@sunlife.com
