PR N°23 - FIBA and Tissot SA announce four-year partnership

GENEVA (FIBA) - The International Basketball Federation and Tissot SA signed today a historic agreement making the internationally renowned Swiss company a FIBA Global Partner for the next four years (2009-2012).

The signature and the subsequent announcement were made this morning in front of the media at the 'Cité du Temps' of Geneva. The event was attended by Mr. G. N. Hayek Jr. (CEO of The Swatch Group SA), Mr. François Thiébaud (President of Tissot SA), Mr. Christophe Berthaud (General Manager of Swiss Timing), Mr. Bob Elphinston (President of FIBA) and Mr. Patrick Baumann (Secretary General of FIBA and IOC member).

The event was highlighted with the presence of Mr. Zoran Savic, current General Manager of Fortitudo Bologna and an internationally renowned all-time basketball star. Savic's impressive track record with the former Yugoslavian National Team includes a gold medal at the 1990 FIBA World Championship in Argentina, a silver medal at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and three gold medals at the EuroBaskets of Rome 1991, Athens 1995 and  Barcelona 1997.

François Thiébaud, Tissot President, said: "Partnering with FIBA is a major step in the timekeeping history of Tissot. Being associated to such an international sport as basketball underlines the brand's dynamic nature and our values of precision and performance. Offering exclusive timekeeping services and unique designed watches will also give our passionate customers an additional reason to be proud of their commitment to Tissot."

Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General and IOC member, stated: "In addition to becoming a FIBA Global Partner, this is a is a long-term strategic partnership which is of particular importance for three reasons. Firstly, Tissot will provide the major FIBA Championships with the highest possible level of timing and data management services. Secondly, Tissot will activate the FIBA partnership across the world through its impressive network of outlets. Finally, Tissot and FIBA will produce exclusive watches for all basketball fans. FIBA welcomes Tissot, a prestigious Swiss brand, to our basketball family!"

About Tissot SA

Tissot (www.tissot.ch), with its signature 'Innovators by Tradition', has been pioneering craftsmanship and innovation since its foundation in 1853. Today Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, the world's largest watch producer and distributor. For over 155 years the company has had its home in the Swiss watch making town of Le Locle in the Jura mountains but now also has a presence in over 150 countries. The Tissot innovation leadership is enabled by the development of high-tech products, special materials and advanced functionality. With a broader, more versatile range of high-quality timepieces at an attractive price than any other Swiss watch brand, Tissot also expresses its commitment to making excellence accessible. As official timekeeper and partner of NASCAR®, AFL, CBA, MotoGP and the World Championships of cycling, fencing and ice hockey, Tissot is committed to respecting tradition, underlining its core values of performance, precision and setting new standards.

About FIBA

FIBA (www.fiba.basketball), the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 213 National Federations of basketball throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Its main upcoming events are the 2009 FIBA Zone Continental Championships that qualify for the 2010 FIBA World Championships for Men and Women, to take place in Turkey and in the Czech Republic respectively.