Here's the "official" press release: 

For Immediate Release: Gigi Rüf Signs With Union Binding Company!

The contracts are signed and the bindings are cranked. 

Seattle, Washington (January 23, 200)—Union Binding Company is proud to announce the addition of Transworld and Snowboarder Magazine Rider Of The Year top pick and all-around Austrian wild man Gigi Rüf.

Explosive execution and an undeniable eccentricity mark the riding of this Arlberg-born talent, not to mention prolific output.  During the 2008 season, Rüf managed to film three video parts (Absinthe, Burton, and The Pirates) while many riders were hard-pressed to lay down one, in addition to scoring numerous magazine covers at publications worldwide. Rüf brings rare talent and originality to the Union Binding Family. 

Says Rüf about the deal, “As soon as I strapped into the Contact binding, I knew Union was something special.  Comfortable, reliable, super lightweight, and amazing performance, Union is the perfect binding for me!”

And according to Union Binding Company Team Manager George Kleckner, “This is really big for us, as we’re all huge fans of Gigi’s snowboarding.  Considering the momentum of the Union brand, and where Gigi is in his young career, it’s a perfect fit.”

Union Binding Company is an independent brand focused on supplying snowboarders with the best bindings on the planet. We’ve gone from a bombproof binding with a zero warranty-return rate to introducing new materials and design processes, including Injected Magnesium and Machined Coring™ and working exclusively with Dupont™ Zytel® ST—a high-quality material that leaves everything else in the dust.
 
Gigi Rüf rides alongside Danny Kass, Dustin Craven, Hampus Mosesson, Joe Sexton, TJ Schneider, Jon Kooley, Stian Solberg, and Dan Brisse on the talented Union team.

Union Binding Company is based on the fishing docks of Seattle, Washington. Distributed by C3 Worldwide, Union is world renown for innovation and a “product first” mentality.  

<http://www.unionbindingcompany.com>

Contact:  George Kleckner
georgek@c3-worldwide.com