Aspen Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AZPN), a leading provider of software and services to the process industries, announced it has signed a global sponsorship agreement with professional tennis player James Blake.  As part of the agreement, Blake will wear the AspenTech logo during his tennis tournament appearances, including this week's U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship in Houston, Texas. He will also host exclusive appearances across the world at events such as Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, offering AspenTech customers and employees his insights on competing effectively at the highest level.

Blake is known for his speed, powerful forehand and entertaining style of play.  He attended Harvard University, where he was the #1-ranked collegiate tennis player before turning pro in 1999.  His career highlights include reaching the semifinals of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the final of the Tennis Masters Cup, and the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and U.S. Open.  He also helped the U.S. Team win the Davis Cup in 2007.

Blake also has a compelling personal story.  In 2004, he overcame a career-threatening neck injury, the death of his father, and an illness that left him partially paralyzed and with blurred vision.  Just one year later, he climbed from #210 to a top 10 ranking.  In November 2006, he obtained his highest ranking of #4, and continues to be ranked in the top ATP rankings.

Terms of the agreement were negotiated on behalf of Blake by Carlos Fleming who is his long-time agent at IMG. 

Supporting Quotes

James Blake

"Competing effectively requires the same approach whether you are in professional sports or business.  You have to define sound strategies, adjust to your competitor's capabilities, and adapt to changing conditions on the fly.  As the #1 software company in process optimization, AspenTech clearly understands how to compete and win at the highest level.  I am excited about working together with Mark Fusco and his team, and I look forward to making the most of our partnership both on and off the court with customers and employees."

Mark Fusco, President and CEO, AspenTech

"Maintaining AspenTech's #1 position involves dedication, tenacity, focus and competitive fire. These qualities have marked James Blake's approach to tennis and life - winning 15 titles on the court and overcoming challenging obstacles off the court.  His story of perseverance is inspiring and I am proud to have him represent the AspenTech name while engaging with our customers and employees around the world." 

Supporting Resources

• AspenTech Twitter Page
• AspenTech Facebook Page
• AspenTech James Blake "Advantage" Page
• James Blake Tennis Page

About AspenTech

AspenTech is a leading supplier of software that optimizes process manufacturing - for energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering and construction, and other industries that manufacture and produce products from a chemical process.  With integrated aspenONE solutions, process manufacturers can implement best practices for optimizing their engineering, manufacturing and supply chain operations.  As a result, AspenTech customers are better able to increase capacity, improve margins, reduce costs and become more energy efficient.  To see how the world's leading process manufacturers rely on AspenTech to achieve their operational excellence goals, visit www.aspentech.com