McDonald's signs sponsorship deal with Yao Ming

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, February 14, 2004

McDonald's signs sponsorship deal with Yao Ming

China's basketball star Yao Ming became the replacer of Los Angeles Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant for endorsement with the McDonald's Restaurants, the fast food company announced on Thursday.

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China's basketball star Yao Ming became the replacer of Los Angeles Lakers' guard Kobe Bryant for endorsement with the McDonald's Restaurants, the fast food company announced on Thursday.

The Houston Rockets center, who was in LA to play in Sunday's NBA All-Star game at Staples Center, had signed a multiyear sponsorship deal with McDonald's, according to an announcement at a McDonald's outlet inside the Los Angeles Convention Center on Thursday.

"Yao has international appeal and also represents the characterof our brand," said Larry Light, McDonald's global chief marketingofficer. "He's youthful, dynamic and has a sense of humor. He's also very caring."

"I have always been a big fan of McDonald's ever since the first restaurant opened in China 10 years ago," Yao said.

Yao will be used in McDonald's global marketing campaign, with an emphasis on physical fitness and activity, Olympic initiatives,and support of Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Bryant, who was accused on July 1 of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old hotel employee in Colorado, has lost two of his sponsorship contracts including that with the maker of Nutella chocolate spread, Ferrero U.S.A.. His three-year deal with the McDonald's expired on Dec. 31 and was not renewed.

Source: Xinhua

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