United debt remains eye-watering £360m but Chevrolet deal boosts profits

 

Under pressure: Some United fans remain opposed to the Glazer family

Under pressure: Some United fans remain opposed to the Glazer family

Reason to be cheerful? Manchester United have reduced their debt

Reason to be cheerful? Manchester United have reduced their debt

 

 

 

Manchester United’s gross debt was reduced to £359.7million after the club’s owners ‘retired’ a further £62.6million-worth of bonds during the first financial quarter.

A 32.4 per cent increase in sponsorship revenues, underpinned by that massive shirt deal with Chevrolet, contributed to commercial revenues rising by 24 per cent to £43million over the quarter and an overall profit of £20.5million.

United estimate overall income will reach £350million and £360million over the entire financial year to June 30, 2013. 

The results are bound to receive a negative reaction from some fans groups, particularly as reports in the United States overnight indicated the club had to be forced to disclose greater information than they initially wanted when they launched their IPO in the summer. But commercially, at least, the results underline how successful United have been.

In the last quarter alone, United entered into 10 sponsorship arrangements, including that incredible £357million deal with General Motors for the Chevrolet logo to be worn on their shirts for seven seasons from 2014.

That eye-boggling sum persuaded United to buy-out the present deal with DHL for United’s training kit, which will now come to an end at the climax of this season.

'Manchester United had a record first quarter driven by our commercial operation, which continues to experience extremely strong global revenue growth in new media & mobile, retail merchandising & sponsorship,; said United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

'The team has also made a strong start to the 12/13 season - currently 1st place in the Premier League and 1st place (and undefeated) in our Champions League Group.'

United confirmed the 'exceptional item' of £3.1million related to professional advisor fees in connection with the IPO.

This sum will be seized on by critics of the Glazer family, who continue to point to the massive sums incurred by the club as a direct result of their controversial leveraged takeover in 2005.

Yet United now appear set on a campaign to maximise commercial revenues.

They have opened an office in Hong Kong and confirmed staff costs had risen to £40.3 million 'primarily due to growth in commercial headcount'.

Reverse: United bought out the deal with DHL to sponsor the training kit

Reverse: United bought out the deal with DHL to sponsor the training kit

 

 

United also confirmed they received £1.3million due to their players being selected for Euro 2012.

United's broadcast revenues have dipped substantially by 37.4 per cent, although most of this is being put down to the fact the Red Devils played only one home Champions League game during the period concerned compared to two 12 months ago.

And, as United have already qualified for the knock-out stages of the competition compared to their catastrophic group stage exit last term, further rises in revenue will be anticipated.

It also seems United pocketed around £2million as a result of Old Trafford being an Olympic venue given a 13.3 per cent rise in matchday revenue to £19.6million.