• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, July 7, 2011

Johnson & Johnson has signed on as a global sponsor for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. J&J becomes the official global health care sponsor, which allows it to link the tournament with its companies that market products from Band-Aids to Rx arthritis treatment Remicade. 

J&J will use its attachment to boost exposure among both medical professionals and consumers. The tournament will be carried on ESPN and Univision domestically, and the networks should receive considerable ad dollars from the company.

The J&J deal with soccer governing body FIFA also includes sponsorship of the tune-up 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil. J&J is the eighth and last sponsor to sign on for the cup.

The World Cup "unites people of all cultures, ages and socioeconomic levels like no other event, and we're excited to tap into this passion and reach to further impact health and wellness around the world," stated J&J corporate vice president Brian Perkins.

J&J did not renew an Olympic sponsorship after the 2008 Games.

The deal gives J&J another platform to reach the Brazilian market. Companies speak about the importance of the BRIC emerging markets of Brazil, Russia, India and China.

Other World Cup sponsors also include Bud, Castrol and McDonald's.