Sports Information Leader Expands Global Footprint With STATS Middle East

STATS LLC, the world's leading sports information provider, today announced the formation of STATS Middle East, a joint venture with Naveen Aranha, the founder of Sportz Interactive, a leading interactive media and digital sports content provider based in Mumbai.

STATS Middle East will be headquartered in Dubai and serve as the marketing and sales base to the region. The company will create, distribute and deliver worldwide sports content and data using innovative methods and platforms to enhance the digital sports media experience. Dubai is the epicenter for many leading international media companies and the home of a large expatriate population, which offers an impressive following of American and European sports as well as local favorites cricket and F1.

"All of us at STATS are extremely pleased to have forged a Middle East business strategy through this partnership with Naveen," said STATS' CEO, Gary Walrath. "STATS Middle East will bring a richer and wider array of dynamic sports content to the region. We look forward to growing our client base and expanding current relationships as a result of this venture."

STATS Middle East is the latest in a string of strategic initiatives by STATS to extend its worldwide sports coverage. Last August, STATS announced the formation of STATS Europe. The company also holds major market positions through affiliates in India, China and Japan.

STATS LLC is a subsidiary of two global media enterprises -- the Associated Press and News Corporation.

About STATS LLC

With more than 25 years of experience in sophisticated sports data collection, processing and distribution -- STATS is the world's leading sports information, content and statistical analysis company. STATS offers a worldwide portfolio of sports information solutions, including the company's hallmark of real-time scores, historical sports information and turnkey fantasy sports operation, along with AP editorial content, breaking sports news and photos. STATS' innovative sports information solutions are utilized in numerous business segments: professional teams; sports broadcast production, cable and satellite networks; interactive television; broadband, wireless and internet; game developers and fantasy sports providers; print media and wire services. STATS is owned jointly by the Associated Press and News Corporation, with corporate offices in Bangalore, Barcelona, Beijing, Chicago, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Mexico City, Milan, Mumbai, Münster, New York, The Hague and Tokyo. www.stats.com