Mad Catz Announces Arsenal F.C. Licensing Deal

Controller manufacturer Mad Catz has announced a multi-year deal with Arsenal Football Club to produce customized game controllers and other accessories bearing the Arsenal logo.

Among the Arsenal branded equipment planned by Mad Catz are game controllers, faceplates, "Console Skinz" and carrying cases for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PSP, Nintendo DS and Wii systems. The licensing arrangement provides Mad Catz rights to distribute the limited edition hardware throughout Europe.

"Arsenal is one of the world's premier sporting franchises with a global fan base and the addition of this brand to our robust license portfolio should help strengthen the penetration of Mad Catz' products in key European markets," said Mad Catz CEO Darren Richardson. "We look forward to providing European retailers and customers with a range of Arsenal-branded videogame accessories."

Arsenal F.C. was founded in 1886 and has since gone on to become one of the most successful and storied clubs in English football. Also known as The Gunners, the club has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and ten FA Cups, and in 2005-2006 became the first London-based team to reach the UEFA Champions League final.

Mad Catz makes extensive use of officially licensed videogaming accessories, including NFL, MLB and NBA franchises as well as movies and videogames including Assassin's Creed, Gears of War and Halo 3. In November 2007, the company made a major expansion into the European market through the $30 million acquisition of Saitek.