The Evening Standard newspaper reported that Lloyds had moved into pole position to win the contract. Rival Barclays PLC pulled out of the bidding after renewing its title sponsorship of the English Premier League.
The London 2012 Games Organising Committee said it was in talks with a whole range of potential partners with all discussions confidential. The first major sponsor partners are expected to be announced by the end of March. It is thought that HSBC Holdings PLC, Bank of America and Citigroup have also expressed interest in becoming the Games' leading financial services sponsor.
Banking and insurance companies were the first to be invited to tender for sponsorships and will be followed by telecoms, auto, oil & gas and utility companies.
