United Bank for Africa PLC (UBA), West Africa’s largest financial services institution, has entered into an exclusive and strategic partnership deal with the English football giant, Arsenal Football Club. The deal, signed by officials of both institutions at the Emirates Stadium in London on Tuesday May 27, 2008, will see UBA and Arsenal collaborate on a variety of financial services and grassroots football development initiatives. The financial services will include co-branded electronic payment solutions such as debit and credit cards for consumers in all West African locations where UBA currently operates. The Arsenal/UBA’s partnership supports the banks commitment to developing grassroots football in Africa and also its strategy to spearhead the use of electronic banking products in the continent. “African youths yearn for inspiration. They need to be inspired and given opportunities to nurture their talents and achieve their dreams of becoming successful football stars. This strategic alliance and other UBA football related initiatives will go a long way towards achieving this," said Angela Nwabuoku, Executive Director, Products and Segment Banking, UBA. Arsenal has successfully developed a number of similar commercial and technical partnerships across the world but this represents the club's first significant financial services partnership in the Africa continent. ''This partnership with UBA represents an exciting opportunity for us. We are aware that Arsenal has an exceptionally strong following in Africa and we look forward to working with the bank in the development of financial services and football at grassroots level. The partnership will enable us to develop a closer affiliation with our supporters and give many fans the opportunity to visit Emirates Stadium, receive Arsenal merchandise and win shirts signed by our first team squad. UBA and Arsenal are also committed to renovating pitches across West Africa. Initially twelve pitches in Nigeria will be laid with artificial surfaces providing a durable and lasting facility for local players and we'll also provide local support with visits to the region by our community coaches,” said Adrian Ford, Commercial Director at Arsenal. UBA is acclaimed West Africa’s largest financial services group with assets in excess of US$14 billion. Assenting to its brand positioning as Africa’s global bank, UBA has full operations and presence in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon, Cayman Islands, New York and London, and has been rapidly expanding into other African countries with start-ups in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Cote d'Ivoire. Providing a full range of solutions and services to over six million customers spanning all market segments, customers are able to enjoy walk-in services through the bank’s expansive retail distribution network, and remote services through electronic channels such as U-Mobile (via mobile phones) and U-Direct (via the internet). With over 700 business offices, an ATM network of over 1000 in Nigeria and three million cards in circulation, UBA is said to lead in electronic payments in the sub-region. Arsenal, one of the most successful clubs in English football, has won thirteen League titles and ten FA Cups. The London-based club enjoys a global following due to its rich history and exciting brand of football. In Nigeria, one of every five football lovers is a fan of Arsenal. Source: UBA