Essent sponsor of the ISU World and European Speed Skating Championships

Essent, the largest Dutch energy company, will be the new title sponsor of the ISU World and European Speed Skating Championships for the next four years, starting in 2009. Essent has been the main sponsor of the Essent ISU World Cup since 1998, which includes nine events per season in which speed skaters compete to be the best and most constant participant per single distance. As title sponsor of the ISU World and European Speed Skating Championships Essent wants to clearly demonstrate its active role as the main sponsor of speed skating.

ISU President Ottavio Cinquanta is very satisfied with the extension of the Essent sponsorship: 'It is a confirmation of our warm cooperation and friendship during the last ten years. For the coming four years this is a very important support for the further development and expansion of speed skating world wide'.

Essent CEO Michiel Boersma: 'I am very proud that Essent will be the title sponsor of the successful ISU World and European Speed Skating Championships. The energy market is becoming more and more international. This sponsorship is very important for the further development of our brand name at home and abroad. Also, the agreement with the ISU strengthens the image of Essent as being a major supporter of speed skating'.

The sponsorship starts on 10 January 2009with the Essent ISU European Speed Skating Championships in Thialf.