Mars North America Extends NASCAR Partnership

MOUNT OLIVE, N.J., December 22 , 2008: Mars North America announced today that it will extend its contract as official NASCAR partner, giving tens of millions of NASCAR fans even more to cheer about at track and in store. The multi-year sponsorship commitment allows multiple Mars brands to connect with racing fans and includes four designations:

 Official Chocolate of NASCAR (M&M’S® Brand) Official Chocolate Bar of NASCAR (SNICKERS® Brand) Official Cheese-Filled Snack of NASCAR (COMBOS® Brand) Official Pet Food of NASCAR (PEDIGREE® Brand) 

“The relationship between Mars and NASCAR is a win-win,” said Suzanne Beaudoin, vice president, Sponsorships and Sports Marketing, Mars North America. “Whether tailgating at the Talladega infield or having friends over to watch qualifying at Bristol, Mars wants to be part of every race experience. Being an official NASCAR partner illustrates our dedication to the fans, our drivers and the sport, while driving brand affinity and excitement for our brands.”

The multi-year partnership aligns Mars with its existing contracts with Joe Gibbs Racing, continuing a relationship that began in 2008.

For 2009, Mars will continue to develop programs that build relationships directly with NASCAR fans, including continuing two of its popular programs that let fans share their passion for NASCAR to the world. Brand highlights include:

· Now in its second year, M&M’S “The Most Colorful Fan of NASCAR Contest” will launch at the Daytona 500 and run for 24 weeks. · For dog lovers, the PEDIGREE brand will launch a new contest, PEDIGREE Brand presents THE LUCKIEST DOG™ of NASCAR®, beginning in late April when the first of three cars sponsored by the PEDIGREE brand races at Talladega Superspeedway. · Mars’ COMBOS Brand will also leverage its NASCAR sponsorship with the new "Man Zone" on-pack promotion, visiting ten race tracks during the first half of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. · SNICKERS Brand will promote its sponsorship at retail stores nationwide.

“Mars is an important partner to NASCAR, whose many creative programs excite our fans and help our sport to grow,” said Jim O'Connell, vice president of Corporate Marketing for NASCAR. “Mars’ commitment demonstrates the enduring value of an official NASCAR partnership. The measurable return this position brings is particularly important in a challenging economy when every marketing dollar must provide maximum value. With a fan base that actively supports the companies making the sport go, NASCAR sponsorship works for companies like Mars, and many other leading brands recommitting to NASCAR during difficult economic times.”

While Mars has been involved in NASCAR for nearly 20 years – with a variety of Mars brands sponsoring various teams – the company officially teamed with sports’ sanctioning body in 2003. The 2008 season was highlighted by the success of Kyle Busch in the No. 18 M&M’S Toyota with Joe Gibbs Racing, which banked eight wins, 17-top five and 21 top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.