Technology group signs sponsorship agreement with Sheffield United

Under the terms of the deal, no actual money will change hands between the organisations.

In return for sponsorship – which will see the Nexis branding appearing on the back of United’s home shirts – the Blades will receive a significant amount of shares in Nexis Holdings.

In addition, Blades season ticket holders will have the opportunity to own shares in Nexis.

Current season ticket holders will each receive, for an administrative charge of £3.50, 100 ordinary shares in Nexis, which is listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange.

Kevin McCabe, owner of the club, said: “Nexis is an emerging organisation in growth sectors which are going to be dominant in coming years.

“This is a great opportunity for Nexis to increase their profile and build contacts in the UK.

“A football club the size of ours will offer Nexis great exposure in the UK.

We are delighted to have concluded this groundbreaking partnership and expect all concerned to find it very beneficial.” Rahoul Ray, president and chief executive of Nexis Holdings, added: “We are very excited to have entered into this partnership with the Blades and expect this to be just the beginning of very positive relationship between our two organisations.”

Walter Filler, executive chairman of Nexis Holdings, said: “Bringing economic growth into communities is a cornerstone of our corporate philosophy. I am delighted that the Blades, a historic club in its own right, as well as its loyal supporters will become shareholders in Nexis.”