MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chile’s Concha y Toro wines official sponsors of Manchester United

Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of the Manchester United

England’s Manchester United agreed on a sponsorship accord with Vina Concha y Toro SA, making Chile’s largest winery the latest company to become an official partner of the 18-time English soccer champion.

It’s the fourth deal signed by United since March. The club has generated more than 200 million pounds (289 million US Dollars) in commercial revenue from 20 agreements since establishing its London-based sales office in 2007, according to a spokesman for the club’s owners.

Concha y Toro will share billboard space with sponsors such as Anheuser-Busch InBev NV’s Budweiser brand and South Korea’s Kumho Tire Co. at United’s Old Trafford stadium. Financial terms, and the length of the contract, weren’t revealed.

“We wanted to find a partner who shared our commitment to excellence, and Manchester United Football Club has developed into an immensely powerful global brand,” said Giancarlo Bianchetti, marketing director of global brands for Concha y Toro, in a press release.

“I'm delighted to be working with Concha y Toro. Like United, it's a company with a lot of history that, while never afraid to change, has always kept hold of its roots. This is a partnership that unites the two great passions in Latin America: football and wine. I'm looking forward to it” said Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of Manchester United.

The US-based Glazer family has faced fan protests since buying United for 790 million pounds five years ago. They’ve been criticized for loading more than 500 million pounds of debt against the club.

While a group of wealthy supporters calling themselves the Red Knights is planning to make a takeover offer next month, the owners say the team isn’t for sale.

Manchester United missed out on an unprecedented fourth straight Premier League crown this season, finishing one point behind champion Chelsea.