Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race Gets First Title Sponsor

After five years as presenting sponsor of the annual Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race, Xchanging plc - the global business processing company - has become the first title sponsor in the race's 180 year history.

Xchanging branding will be featured prominently in a new event logo displayed on the Tideway course and at the start and finish.

“We are pleased and honoured to assume title sponsorship of an event that typifies the best of sportsmanship and competitive intensity,” said David Andrews, founder and CEO of Xchanging.

“Xchanging draws strength and inspiration from the determined example of the Oxford and Cambridge crews,” he added. “We expect the 2010 Xchanging Boat Race to be another compelling sporting battle and wish both crews all the best.”

Commenting on Xchanging’s new sponsorship commitment, Robert Gillespie, Chairman of The Boat Race Company Limited (BRCL), organisers of the Race, said: “We are delighted that Xchanging wishes to identify so closely with the event and invest in its future.”

Xchanging first became involved with the Race in 2005 and renewed its sponsorship for a further five years in 2008. Since then, the number of countries across the world screening live or recorded highlights of the Race has risen by more than 50 to total 153 in 2009, including China, Russia and Brazil. In just 10 years, Xchanging has become a global business processing company with blue-chip customers in 42 countries. It now employs over 8,400 people in nine countries. Xchanging recently opened a new US headquarters in Chicago.

Other partners include Hackett, Sharp's, BT, Thames21, and London Youth Rowing.

The 2010 Xchanging Boat Race will be held at on Saturday, 3 April and shown live on BBC 1 within a two-hour special.