AMSTERDAM — Nouryon announced that the company has signed a long-term partnership with Dutch soccer club AFC Ajax. The agreement unites two groups at the forefront of their respective fields.

“Nouryon is a global leader in specialty chemicals with a strong focus on a sustainable future. We’re proud to be associated with Ajax, one of the most iconic names in global soccer,” said Charlie Shaver, Chairman and CEO of Nouryon.

The two groups are already close neighbors – Nouryon’s Amsterdam headquarters overlooks the impressive Johan Cruijff Arena, home of Ajax. “We’re looking forward to becoming a bigger part of the community and working together to reach out to the people in this great city. Together, we will launch an exciting local program with a focus on education, a topic that both Ajax and Nouryon are passionate about,” Shaver said.

The two also share a connection through Nouryon’s essential chemistry, which is used in everything from the sporting equipment used by soccer teams to the construction of the stadiums where they play.

“We are thrilled to link up with Nouryon, one of the Netherlands’ leading companies,” said Menno Geelen, Commercial Director Ajax. “It’s our first partnership with a chemical company. We are impressed with Nouryon’s ambitions and winning mentality and look forward to developing this partnership over the next couple of years.”