Maughan Thiem Ford has been a long-time partner of the club dating back to 1972. For the last 15 years they have been the club’s major partner in the SANFL.
Peter Thomas, owner of Maughan Thiem Ford, said the decision was difficult and only came after full consultation with the club.
“Our decision to not continue as major partner of the Magpies in 2014 was well considered and in no way a reflection of the change of the Magpies model moving forward in 2014,” Mr Thomas said.
“In fact we are excited by the one club model that will see the integration of the Power in the AFL and the Magpies in the SANFL.
“The reality is Renault is now the major car dealership within the entire Port Adelaide Football Club incorporating the Magpies and the Power and we respect that.
“Significantly, Maughan Thiem Ford has not ruled out an opportunity to be involved within the SANFL program moving forward on a smaller scale. We are very positive about the Academy programs the club is proposing as it continues its strong engagement with the community.”
Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas praised Maughan Thiem Ford for their incredible support of the club over more than four decades.
“Maughan Thiem Ford has been a significant part of the Port Adelaide Football Club and the local community for over forty years,” Mr Thomas said.
“To put it in perspective they first sponsored the club when Fos Williams was our senior coach. They have been a tremendous supporter of the Magpies since 1972 and have been here through the good and bad times.
“When the Magpies were suffering financial hardship prior to the One Club merger in 2010 it was Maughan Thiem Ford who really stepped up their commitment to the club and for that we are eternally grateful.”
Mr Thomas said it was important to note that Maughan Thiem Ford were very positive about the direction the club was heading.
“Peter Thomas and the team at Maughan Thiem Ford have just been outstanding to deal with during this whole process,” Mr Thomas said.
“They are excited by the Magpies model moving forward and have not ruled out sponsoring the club at a lower level in the future which we are very pleased about given their inherent link with the Port Adelaide community.”
Port Adelaide is currently in the process of securing a new major partner of the Magpies whose logo will appear on the front of the famous black-and-white guernsey for season 2014.
