Sheetfed firm Chevalier, based near Rotterdam, Holland, will print 40,000 copies of the full-colour 144pp brochure, which depicts all the major sporting events held in the UK throughout the year.

Sporting Season editor, Andy Rawlin, said he had selected Chevalier after seeing its Fortnum & Mason 2003 Christmas Catalogue (PrintWeek, 17 April 2003).

The brochure was a high quality piece of work, which was akin to what we were seeking to achieve with Sporting Season, Rawlin said.

A Danish printing company previously held the contract.

The print run includes additional branded personalised copies for various corporate organisations.

Rawlin said rather than a one-off, he considered the partnering with Chevalier as the beginning of a long-term relationship.

The latest contract win adds to Chevaliers deal to print the Mazda European car brochures, secured at the end of last year (PrintWeek, 11 December 2003).

Chevalier has also won the contract to print 250,000 copies of a hotel guide as part of a 115,000 contract, for a large international hotel group.

Founded in 1916, Chevalier employs 115 staff, and has an annual turnover in the region of 17m, nearly 60% of which is derived from exports. UK contracts account for half of that exports figure.

Chevaliers other big name clients include Fortnum & Mason, Jaguar and Mazda cars, and fashion brands Mexx, Nike and ONeill.

Story by Andy Scott