Herzogenaurach, Germany (26 August, 2009) ? PUMA® today announced a global partnership with Microsoft for the highly anticipated release of Forza Motorsport 3, scheduled for October this year. This collaboration will ensure prominent PUMA branding within the ?Forza Motorsport 3? game worldwide and includes a series of joint marketing initiatives across Europe and North America.

The Microsoft Forza collaboration marks PUMA?s 10th anniversary in Motorsport. As category leader for performance and lifestyle Motorsport footwear, apparel and accessories, PUMA sponsors some of Formula One and Moto GP’s best teams, including Scuderia Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, BMW Sauber, Scuderia Toro Rosso and Ducati Corse. A leader in its own right, Microsoft?s Forza Motorsport franchise is among the top-selling racing games worldwide. Available exclusively on Xbox 360, ?Forza Motorsport 3? is the only racing game that lets players collect, paint and tune more than 400 of the worlds? most exotic and exquisite cars then put them to the test on more than 100 tracks from around the globe. Best of all, whether you?re a first time player or seasoned racing game pro, ?Forza Motorsport 3? delivers an experience where everyone can have fun behind the wheel of their dream car.

The partnership includes a number of cross promotional elements, including the development of a limited edition Forza branded PUMA shoe, to do be developed to coincide with the game launch. Exclusive gaming nights in selected PUMA Concept Stores will enable Forza Motorsport fans to preview the third edition of the game before purchase. Regular Forza content will also feature on the recently re-launched PUMAMotorsport.com.

Further to this, Xbox recently has announced PUMA supplied driver Natacha Gachnang as the Face of Forza for a pan-European PR programme. PUMA outfits Gachnang for her professional
role within the FIA Formula Two Championship, and will provide apparel and accessories to Microsoft event staff throughout the tour, and across all trade events and conferences at which Microsoft will exhibit ?Forza Motorsport 3.?

Antonio Bertone, Chief Marketing Officer of PUMA AG said, ?The Forza Motorsport association is the perfect fit for our brand. This partnership enables us to capitalize on the energy and excitement that accompanies a huge release such as Forza, and push the PUMA Motorsport brand into a new and exciting arena. We?re delighted to be working with Microsoft on this.?

Steve Beinner of Microsoft said ?PUMA?s involvement in the release of Forza Motorsport 3 is testament to the anticipation that?s building among car lovers worldwide for the games October launch. The game has continued to grow in appeal with every edition we have launched, and we?re thrilled to have PUMA as an official partner of Forza Motorsport 3.?