AEG and English National Ballet forge Perfect Partnership

World-renowned performers: Perfect in form and function A powerful partnership between AEG, a leading brand of the Electrolux Group, and English National Ballet, one of the worlds leading classical ballet companies, was announced today. Based on a shared commitment to perfect performance and style, AEG fabric care appliances are the first ever to be officially endorsed by English National Ballets Wardrobe Department. The three-year agreement is an extension to an already successful partnership. Each of the elegant costumes is a valuable asset and demands the highest standard of care.

English National Ballet has taken the decision to entrust this responsibility to AEGs fabric care appliances because they combine gentleness and energy efficiency with outstanding performance.

Spectacular photography in English National Ballet performance programmes is designed to raise awareness of the partnership. AEG customers and consumers have also been treated to equally impressive imagery in current appliance brochures. Photographs of English National Ballet dancers, world renowned for their precision, strength, and artistry, have featured the alliance prominently.

AEG Brand Manager for the United Kingdom, Norbert Heinl notes that, Sharing a vision based on precision, performance and form, this partnership represents a great fit. It provides an exciting new way to communicate this shared vision through mutual endorsement of our products and we look forward to continuing our relationship. The programme for this performance year, Autumn 2002 through Spring 2003, will focus on providing creative ways to promote our new laundry range through a prominent association with English National Ballet."

Fiona Mallin-Robinson, English National Ballets Development Director, states AEGs hard-working laundry products care for English National Ballets hard-wearing costumes. With a Company of 64 dancers, giving over 170 performances every year, there is a lot of care to be given to each and every costume. AEGs laundry products ensure that we have the highest quality performance off-stage as well as on. English National Ballets commitment to excellence is absolute and one element of this is presenting pristine costumes at each performance. Being committed to increasing accessibility to the world of dance, the partnership with AEG reflects the Companys desire to achieve the highest standards for our audiences."

ENDS

Electrolux is the worlds largest producer of powered appliances for kitchen, cleaning and outdoor use, such as refrigerators, washing machines, cookers, vacuum cleaners, chain saws, lawn mowers, and garden tractors. In 2001, Group sales were SEK 135 billion and the Group had 87,000 employees. Every year, customers in more than 150 countries buy more than 55 million Electrolux Group products for both consumer and professional use. The Electrolux Group includes famous appliance brands, such as AEG, Electrolux, Zanussi, Frigidaire, Eureka, and Husqvarna.

Electrolux Home Products Europe, based in Brussels, is the Groups subsidiary for the major household appliance business in Europe.

English National Ballet was founded in 1950 by Alicia Markova and Anton Dolin, and remains the countrys leading touring classical ballet company. Committed to increasing accessibility to the world of dance, English National Ballet gives over 170 performances a year across the country and abroad, reaching audiences of 240,000. This year, the Company will premiere its brand new production of The Nutcracker at the Bristol Hippodrome on 10th October 2002, with choreography by acclaimed choreographer, Christopher Hampson and designs by satirical caricaturist and artist, Gerald Scarfe. For further information on English National Ballets activities and touring schedule, please email info@ballet.org.uk and mark for the attention of Jim Fletcher, Head of Public Affairs.

Photography (300 dpi jpg format) is available through Electrolux, please email frederique.depraetere@electrolux.be