Current world number one tennis player Roger Federer has signed an endorsement deal with Swiss chocolate brand Lindt that will see him become the company's global ambassador on a long term basis.
 
Federer is the most successful tennis player of all time. He currently earns around US$30 million a year from tournament winnings and endorsements.
 
Lindt is the latest addition to a personal endorsement roster that includes Nike, Wilson, Rolex, Gillette, Jura, Mercedes Benz and NetJets.

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The new deal represents something of a coup for Lindt & Sprüngli chief executive Ernst Tanner. "We are naturally delighted to be able to name Roger Federer, an exceptional and well-known Swiss icon, as our brand ambassador," Tanner said. "Together with Roger Federer, we will become the foremost ambassadors for Swiss quality."
 
Federer, too, was pleased to have signed the deal. "I am Swiss by birth," he said, "and since my childhood, I have always been a great fan of Lindt chocolate. I am very excited to partner with the global leader in premium chocolate and I enjoy their products and am very impressed with their plans for future growth."
 
Lindt & Sprüngli was founded 164 years ago in Zurich and its chocolate is now sold all over the world through 17 subsidiaries and a comprehensive network of independent distributors. The main markets are Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain, Spain and other European countries, together with the USA, Canada and Australia.