The Lawn Tennis Association announced it signed a sponsorship deal with AEGON for the next five years and for £30 million. The main arms of the LTA to achieve the deal were Andy Murray’s 4th place in the world ranking, the huge popularity of Wimbledon and the promissory future of 14-year-old player Laura Robson.

“We are delighted that AEGON has joined us as the lead partner of British Tennis in what is a very exciting time for the sport,” Roger Draper, LAN Chief Executive, commented. “We are looking forward to developing a close working partnership with them over the coming years. We share a joint desire to grow the sport at all levels, and AEGON will play a vital role in this.”

The contract signed by AEGON and the Lawn Tennis Association will be effective from 2009 to 2013. The pensions and life insurer will both invest in grass tennis and retain the naming rights to the international events at Queen’s Club, Eastbourne and Edgbaston.

“British tennis is at a breakthrough stage in its development and it is a very exciting time to be involved in the sport,” Otto Thorensen, UK Chief Executive for AEGON, commented.