Bidvest proud to secure Wanderers naming rights

22 October 2009

BIDVEST, the international services, trading and distribution group,
announced, in a joint-statement with Gauteng Cricket Board that it has
secured the naming rights to Wanderers cricket stadium for the next five
years.

The multi-million rand, five-year transaction, negotiated by Brian
Joffe, CE of Bidvest, and Alan Kourie, CEO of Gauteng Cricket,
reinforces the Group's already strong position as a major South African
sport sponsor. The company owns the majority stake in the Bidvest Wits
soccer club and is a big supporter of rugby, horse racing and golf.

Brian Joffe commented: "Bidvest Wanderers Stadium is the country's
premier cricket venue and a stadium known throughout the world. As an
international company with strong South African roots, we see value in
partnerships with world-class events or venues that have a quality
profile and are unmistakably South African.

"We're Proudly Bidvest and proud to be associated with a South African
sporting icon."

Lazarus Zim, chairman of the Gauteng Cricket Board, said: "We welcome
this new partnership. Bidvest is a world-class brand and is a household
name locally and well known internationally. The Gauteng Cricket Board
is proud to be associated with a company of Bidvest's stature. Bidvest
was recently ranked No. 37 in the rankings of the world's top companies.
We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.

"The Group is not only a big name in South Africa, it also operates in
big international cricket markets such as Australia, the UK and New
Zealand. Bidvest Wanderers Stadium therefore creates strong awareness
both domestically and internationally. The 'fit' is ideal."

Alan Kourie believes cross-sport synergies will be fostered by Bidvest's
association with the stadium. He pointed out: "Bidvest is a high-profile
soccer sponsor through Bidvest Wits and we foresee long-term potential
for Bidvest Wanderers Stadium as a venue for big soccer events.

"Bidvest Wanderers Stadium is positioned to become a community resource
with support from all sections of the community. Bidvest involvement
promotes this vision and it is a future we at Gauteng Cricket are eager
to embrace."

Bidvest already has strong cricketing connections as one of its Group
companies, Konica Minolta South Africa sponsors the bizhub Highveld
Lions. Stadium naming rights therefore underline the positioning of the
bizhub brand under the 'Proudly Bidvest' umbrella.

The deal highlights the Bidvest instinct for growth opportunities,
according to Neil Jankelowitz, joint-managing director of BidSport, the
Bidvest vehicle for exploring sports marketing opportunities.

"The 20-over version of the game has had huge impact," he said.
"Cricket's take-off has been phenomenal. Research shows it has become
our fastest growing sport with appeal across all colours, creeds and
socio-economic groups.

"Bidvest is a major supplier to and now a major sponsor of the stadium
industry."

SuperSport Series!

After two weekends off, the bizhub Highveld Lions are back into action
this week as they travel to Buffalo Park, East London, for a SuperSport
Series game again the Chevrolet Warriors.

The bizhub Highveld Lions teams for the match is as follows:

Neil McKenzie (Captain)

Stephen Cook

Jean Symes

Alviro Petersen

Jonathan Vandiar

Zander de Bruyn

Thami Tsolikele

Friedel De Wet

Andre Nel

Monty Panesar

Ugasen Govender

Dane Vilas

The bizhub Highveld Lions upcoming fixtures are as follows:

Buffalo Park, East London

Chevrolet Warriors vs bizhub Highveld Lions

SuperSport Series

Thursday 22 - Sunday 25 October

Bidvest Wanderers

bizhub Highveld Lions vs Nashua Cape Cobras

MTN Domestic Championship

Wednesday 28 October

Match starts 16h30, gates open 15h30

OUTsurance Oval, Bloemfontein

Diamond Eagles vs bizhub Highveld Lions

MTN Domestic Championship

Friday 30 October