T

he Italian soccer team, Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan), has furtherstrengthened its financial future by securing a '‚¬230 million (US$ 313.84 million)long-term funding arrangement withGoldman Sachs.

The funding was initiated by Erick Thohir, Massimo Moratti and Handy P.Soetedjo '€“ Inter Milan'€™s three principal owners '€“ in a bid to expand the club'€™sappeal to a broader and rapidly growing international fan base.

"We are delighted to have put this funding in place via Goldman Sachs. Thedistribution facility to global investors shows that Inter Milan hascredibility among the international financial communities who are as excited aswe are about the club's new initiatives on and off the pitch," Erick saidin a statement made available to TheJakarta Post onWednesday.

In addition, the club recently sealed a renewal contract with Nike as itstechnical sponsor, a deal worth more than '‚¬200 million.

The club also finalized an agreement with Infront Sports& Media forsponsorship marketing across Europe and the distribution of corporate hospitalityservices on game-days at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. That deal is worth '‚¬80million.

"Inter Milan is a remarkable soccer club with an amazing history and a brightfuture. We are delighted and honored to help them reach their fundinggoal," Goldman Sachs managing director Gregory Carey said. (nfo)