Canon extends relationship with Maria through 2010

Canon U.S.A., Inc., today announced an extension of its global marketing relationship with tennis star Maria Sharapova through 2010.  The relationship will continue to include global advertising, retail promotions and events. 

Sharapova, the world's 5th ranked women's tennis player, has won three grand slams during her career - the Australian Open in 2008, the U.S. Open in 2006 and Wimbledon in 2004.  Sharapova has been with Canon since 2004 and her winning record on the court as well as her style, presence and elegance off it, make her a natural global representative for Canon the brand.

"Maria Sharapova continues to shine on and off the court as one of the world's top players and has been a wonderful ambassador for the Canon brand with her style, substance and powerful game said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager of the Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A., Inc. "The Maria and Canon relationship has been a perfect match and we look forward to supporting her quest to capture more grand slam titles."

Over the past four years Sharapova has helped Canon launch new PowerShot digital cameras and has participated in numerous events around major tournaments across the country.  Due to her busy schedule, Canon introduced Maria Sharapova "look-alikes" that have interacted with consumers, while she focused her efforts on the court.  

She has also starred in several popular commercials and ad campaigns including "Practice" where she first introduced the now famous tagline "Make every shot a PowerShot" and most recently "Dolce" where a Canon Digital ELPH camera allows Maria to indulge her passion of photography, personified by her efforts to capture her Pomeranian dog Dolce's every move.

"I'm excited to continue my association with such a powerful iconic brand," said Maria Sharapova.  "Canon has been a great partner -- my PowerShot digital camera travels with me around the world to make sure that every shot I take off the court is a PowerShot."  

Sharapova regularly travels with her PowerShot digital camera to capture and share her experiences with friends and family around the world.