ONE of Bolton’s largest retailers has signed a new deal to become a shirt sponsor for the Sale Sharks.

The deal will see online electricals store AO, whose headquarters are at The Parklands, Middlebrook, become the principal front of shirt sponsor for the Greater Manchester rugby union giants.

The company says that it will also be working closely with the Sharks Community Trust, the club’s charitable arm, to create and launch ‘Are you AO-K?’, a mental health programme in schools across the North West.

AO director of customer and brand Vicky Monk said: “We’re investing hugely in our brand this year and our partnership with Sale Sharks is a big part of that strategy.

“We are really looking forward to working closely together with the trust to create and launch a highly impactful mental health programme to local schools in our region.

“It’s a topic that’s close to many of our hearts after the past 18 months and we’re proud to be able to play a part in making a difference for young people across the North West.”

The AO logo will now be appearing on the Sharks’ new 2021/22 kit, and the club says work on the stadium re-branding will start straight away ahead of the new season.

AO are also working on special giveaways, half-time activities on the pitch and promotions outside the stadium before and after fixtures.

Sharks CEO Sid Sutton said: “Everyone at the club is so excited to welcome AO to the Sharks family.

“I have no doubt that this is a partnership that’s going to drive the club on to the next level both on and off the pitch.

“We’re embarking on a new era for the club and we want to work alongside partners who we can grow with and who share our ambition.

“AO puts its customers and the community at the heart of everything they do in the same way that we put our supporters right at the centre of every decision we take. The long-term commitment is a sign that both the club and AO believe strongly in the value of this partnership.”

AO was set up by John Roberts in 2000 after a bet in a pub.

Following his £1 wager, ao.com took off and has enjoyed national and now global success.

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