GE, which began its Olympic partnership in January 2005, will continue to provide energy, lighting, water treatment and transportation systems for the Games. The multinational conglomerate sits alongside Coca-Cola, Acer, Atos Origin, Dow Chemical, McDonald’s, Omega, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, Samsung and Visa, which are all fellow ‘TOP’ Partners of the IOC.
The deal means a total of nine companies have penned top-tier sponsorships with the Games through to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Each company pays an estimated US$100 million for the two-Games package, although the IOC does not disclose financial details of individual deals. The latest additions to the TOP Partner portfolio are Dow Chemical and Procter & Gamble, with both having signed up last year, but according to reports the IOC is also in talks to extend existing sponsorship deals with Acer and McDonald’s.
“GE is a leading organisation, with innovation and sustainability at its core,” said IOC president Jacques Rogge (pictured). “Over the years, GE has become a vital part of the efforts to deliver sustainable and responsible Olympic Games. We are delighted to continue our work with them.” GE chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said the company was “proud” to be extending the partnership with the Olympic movement for another eight years.
“The Olympic Games provide a unique opportunity to showcase our innovative technologies and services,” he said.
Peter Foss, president of GE’s Olympic sponsorship and corporate sales division, added: “We value our relationship with the IOC and look forward to continuing our partnership in the Olympic movement through 2020. From technology and solutions in infrastructure and transportation to energy and healthcare, we are committed to supporting host cities and countries in staging successful Olympic Games.”
After the London 2012 Games next year, Sochi in Russia will host the 2014 Winter Olympics before Rio stages the 2016 Games. The host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics will be elected by the IOC next Wednesday while the location of the 2020 Games will be decided in 2013.
