THE new sponsors of Bolton Wanderers, Macron SPA, are an Italian sportswear company based in Crespellano, Bologna.

Widely regarded as a European leader in the production of active apparel, Macron operates in three main areas.

These are — teamwear for football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, handball, five-a-side football and running; merchandising on official kits, and shirts for fans and leisurewear.

The firm was founded in 1971 and was launched as an Italian exclusive distributor of baseball equipment for MacGregor USA and other American brands operating in the field.

It grew from a modest base until 1994 when Macron moved to larger premises in Crespellano, where all its activities — design and manufacture — were housed under one roof.

Macron’s adventure into professional football began in 2001 with its first contract with Bologna FC 1909.

Its expansion into Europe, the USA, Canada and the Middle East started in 2005.

In 2012, English clubs Leeds United, Aston Villa, and Italian sides Napoli, Lazio and Spain’s Real Betis became beneficiaries of Macron sponsorship