FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2009
Contact: Geoff Garmhausen
Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST)
(502) 588.7152
ggarmhausen@blueequity.com
John Tobias Promoted to President of BEST Tennis
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Blue Entertainment Sports Television (BEST) announced today that John Tobias, who has been instrumental in the recent growth of BEST Tennis into an industry power, will take over as its President. Tobias replaces Ken Meyerson, with whom BEST has agreed to mutually separate. The decision over Meyerson's departure was reached in conjunction with the announcement of a new strategic partnership between BEST and Lagardère Unlimited, a division of the leading French media group, Lagardère. Pursuant to the new partnership, Lagardère Unlimited will utilize BEST to produce select tennis events across the United States.
Working with Tobias, industry legend Donald Dell will take on a more active role in the oversight and management of BEST Tennis. BEST Tennis represents over 100 players, coaches and legends of the game, including some of the brightest young names in the sport.
"John has all the tools to lead BEST Tennis into the future," said BEST Managing Director Mike Principe. "With a number of exciting young players on our roster, we are poised for great growth. I have no doubt that John - along with Donald Dell - will build on that success going forward. In both the short and long term, this is a great development for BEST Tennis and the entire BEST platform. "
BEST Tennis launched in 2006 as a full service tennis agency under the BEST umbrella. In less than three years, it has become an industry leader, representing both current and future stars on the ATP and WTA Tours. The striking growth of BEST Tennis can be traced to its unique abilities in the client branding arena and the interconnected opportunities between BEST Tennis and other BEST brands. By connecting premiere talent with personal representation and unique sports and entertainment properties, BEST is able to offer an unmatched suite of services to its clients.
Among others, BEST Tennis represents top men's players, Igor Andreev, Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey, top women players Victoria Azarenka, Anna Chakvetadze and Caroline Wozniacki as well as the #1 ranked doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan. BEST also produces some of the premier tennis events in the U.S., including the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships, and the annual Rock-n-Racquets exhibition, and is responsible for the television rights for numerous others, including the US Open Tennis Championship, the French Open Tennis Championship, and various U.S.-based ATP tournaments.
As part of the transaction with Lagardère Unlimited, Andy Roddick, who has developed a close and personal relationship with Lagardère group's Chairman and CEO, Arnaud Lagardère, will join Meyerson at Lagardère Unlimited in a sharing arrangement with BEST Tennis.
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About BEST
BEST is a unified full-service sports and entertainment company. Current clients include Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes, 2009 NFL Draft first round picks Aaron Maybin and Percy Harvin, Reggie Bush, DeAngelo Hall; NBA All-Stars Shawn Marion and Rasheed Wallace, as well as potential 2009 NBA Lottery pick Ricky Rubio; and ATP #1 ranked doubles team Bob and Mike Bryan. Media & Event properties include the US Open Tennis Championship, the French Open Tennis Championship, the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, numerous US-based ATP tournaments, Rock 'n Racquets, Hoop It Up, Let It Fly, Kick It, the Boston Marathon, the Superstars Competition, Ice Wars, the World Cup of Softball, The Hartford Hall of Fame Showcase, the Men's and Women's Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships and the Men's Ford Tennis Championship. www.experienceBEST.com
About Blue Equity
Blue Equity, LLC is an independent, private equity firm based in Louisville, Kentucky. It is committed to actively investing growth capital and business expertise in enterprises with solid development potential. Blue Equity forms strategic partnerships with existing management teams and leverages its expertise and relationships to stabilize, strengthen and grow lasting value. Investment efforts and managerial expertise are focused on the operation of a global and diversified portfolio of business enterprises, including opportunities in media, publishing, sports and entertainment, financial services, and real estate. Blue Equity is dedicated to helping businesses grow by accelerating opportunity and driving innovation to the marketplace. www.blueequity.com