SOURCE: IMG

May 27, 2008 12:02 ET

IMG Signs Freddy Adu

International Soccer Star Chooses IMG for Exclusive On-Field, Marketing and Worldwide Endorsement Representation; Will Train and Condition at IMG Academies

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 27, 2008) - Global sports and entertainment company IMG today announced that international soccer star Freddy Adu has signed with the company for exclusive on-field, marketing and worldwide endorsement representation.

In addition, Adu, 18, will continue his professional development at IMG's International Performance Institute (IPI) on the IMG Academies campus in Bradenton, Florida. IPI will provide a 360-degree approach to enhancing Adu's on and off-field performance, including industry-leading physical and mental conditioning, nutrition, sports medicine and regeneration services, and leadership and communication training. Adu began his athletic training and attended high school (graduating three years early) at the IMG Academies.

Adu's management team will be led by Max Eisenbud, Vice President, IMG.

In making the announcement, Eisenbud said, "We are thrilled that Freddy has chosen IMG to represent both his on and off-field activities. Freddy is proving to the world that he is the player that everyone predicted. His all-star performance at the Under 20 World Cup and brilliant goal scoring helped lead the U.S. Olympic team to qualify for Beijing is only the beginning. At 18 years old, Freddy is poised to be the first American soccer superstar and a role model to young people who play soccer."

Freddy Adu added, "IMG already represents so many of the world's leading sports stars, helping them successfully navigate their careers and build their brands. I look forward to partnering with IMG on soccer and other exciting initiatives."

About Freddy Adu

Adu recently helped lead the United States to a 3-0 victory over Canada. He scored on direct kicks in the 27th and 48th minutes of play, helping to secure the U.S. team's ticket to the Beijing Olympics this summer.

Adu is currently a striker for the Portuguese club S.L. Benfica. He joined the team in 2007. He previously played for Major League Soccer's (MLS) Real Salt Lake. In 2003, at the age of 14, Adu signed a four-year contract with MLS's D.C. United. In his first season with D.C. United, Adu scored five goals and recorded three assists as he helped his team win the MLS Cup. He was twice named to the MLS All-Star Team.

Born in Ghana, West Africa in 1989, Adu began playing soccer at the age of six. His family immigrated to Potomac, Maryland when Adu was eight years old.

About IMG Academies

IMG Academies is the world's largest and most successful multi-sport, training and education camp/academy business. Spread out over 300 acres in Bradenton, Florida, the IMG Academies complex encompasses the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy, the David Leadbetter Golf Academy, The Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, and Officiating Academies, The Professional Fishing Academy, The International Performance Institute, The Pendleton School, The Wellness Spa, and The IMG Academies Golf and Country Club.

More information is available at www.imgacademies.com.

About IMG

IMG is the world's premier sports, entertainment and media enterprise.

Operating in 30 countries, IMG's diverse businesses include: consulting services; event ownership and management; fashion events and models representation; licensing; golf course design; and client representation in golf, tennis, broadcasting, speakers, European football, rugby, cricket, motor sports, coaching, Olympic sports and action sports. IMG Academies are the world's largest and most advanced multi-sport training and educational facilities, delivering world-class sports training experiences to more than 12,000 junior, collegiate, adult, and professional athletes each year.

Forstmann Little & Co. purchased IMG in 2004.

More information is available at www.imgworld.com.