MELBOURNE: The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced that Fossil will become an international sponsor and the official watch of the Davis Cup. The ITF and Fossil have signed a multiyear agreement.

The arrangement starts with the 2003 Davis Cup final by BNP Paribas between Australia and Spain in Melbourne from 28-30 November. Fossil designs, develops, markets and distributes contemporary, high quality fashion watches and accessories .

Fossil will enjoy exclusive on-site and on-court benefits including the provision of the official on-court Timer. As part of its watch licensing agreement with the ITF, the company will launch the official Davis Cup watch at the 2003 Davis Cup Final. The watch will also be available at Fossil stores and retailers worldwide. In India Davis Cup action airs on DD Sports.

Fossil Global brand manager Justin Stead added, "This is a very exciting partnership for Fossil. We have been looking for an international partner incorporating a global communication platform for a period of time. The Davis Cup is the perfect fit in that respect. In addition, we feel that the Davis Cup and the ITF are driven by the same set of values - passion, authenticity and team work which is evident in the Fossil culture. As part of our effort to capitalize on the synergies between the two partners, Fossil will design and develop outstanding products and marketing programs in conjunction with the Davis Cup and the ITF.'

ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti added, "We are delighted to welcome Fossil to the Davis Cup family.We began our relationship with Fossil at the highly successful Davis Cup semifinal at Roland Garros in 2002, and have been looking to develop our association with the brand on an international level. Fossil is experiencing superior growth throughout the world and we look forward to helping the company build on its achievements through the huge fan base that the Davis Cup competition provides."