The deal will see the Lagardère Unlimited-owned company selling centralised media rights for FIG's major events, including the Artistic and Rhythmic World Cup competitions and the FIG Challenge Cup.

"This partnership is the result of a long-term collaboration with IEC in Sports and we trust in the professionalism of their teams," said FIG marketing and communication director Olivier Strebel.

"Whilst the distribution of the World Championships remains our responsibility, we have secured deals in certain territories in collaboration with IEC in Sports.

"Our new global strategy is here to last and has been designed to build comprehensive distribution and exposure to our sport.

"We have no doubt that additional developments will occur by working with the Lagardère Unlimited group, with the mutual goal of taking gymnastics to the place where it belongs."

As well as allocating the media rights for the FIG tournaments, IEC will provide consulting services, including the repositioning of major events outside of the World Championships, to gymnastics' world governing body.

IEC's chief executive Daniel Franck welcomed the signing of the new agreement.

"We have been working with gymnastics for a number of years and our teams have developed a solid understanding of the business," he added.

"This partnership with FIG is a good progression and demonstrates both our commitment to the sport and our desire to accompany FIG with its media projects to increase the profile of gymnastics across the world."

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