London 2012 snaps up Westfield as latest sponsor and hits 700m mark

The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has confirmed that Westfield has become the latest sponsor of London 2012 in a tier three deal. Westfield becomes the Official Shopping Centre developer of London 2012. The deal means that LOCOG has reached its upper sponsorship target of £700m.

Westfield’s 1.9 million sq ft Stratford City development is directly adjacent to the Olympic Park and it is estimated that three quarters of spectators will pass through it on their way into the Park at Games-time. Opening on 13 September this year, the retail and leisure destination is the largest urban shopping centre in Europe and offers spectacular views of the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre which are only a short walk from the centre.

As part of the deal Westfield will be home to the first ever TeamGB and ParalympicsGB merchandise shop which will open later this month. The shop will sell a wide range of TeamGB and ParalympicsGB souvenirs, which as part of the London 2012 merchandise programme is expected to raise more than £80m towards the staging of the Games. The John Lewis store at Westfield Stratford City will also house a 4,000 sq ft space dedicated to London 2012 merchandise. Westfield will also provide facilities to LOCOG to support the operational running of the Games. Last month it was confirmed that Westfield Stratford City would host TeamGB and ParalympicsGB throughout the Games in a stunning eighth floor venue overlooking the Park.

LOCOG CEO Paul Deighton commented, "With Westfield Stratford City on the doorstep of the Olympic Park and set to be a major destination for athletes and spectators alike at Games-time, it is an obvious and perfect fit. Alongside the Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City is a tangible example of how east London is at the start of an exciting new journey. It is with great pride that this deal takes us to our target of raising £700m in domestic sponsorship. We have a fantastic group of world class sponsors on board, now joined by Westfield, working with us to stage spectacular Games next summer. We are very grateful to all of our sponsors for helping to provide the people, products and services we need to stage the Olympic and Paralympic Games next summer."

Michael Gutman, Managing Director for Westfield UK/Europe and New Markets, said: "We are delighted to be extending our relationship with LOCOG in the sponsorship announced today. We expect that Westfield Stratford City will enhance the whole Olympic experience in the period leading up to and during the Games as well as providing a unique boost to the legacy for many years beyond as well."

LOCOG’s target was to raise between £650m and £700m from domestic sponsorship towards the staging of the Games. The sponsorship programme began in 2007 and Westfield becomes the 44th domestic sponsor to sign up, taking LOCOG beyond the £700m mark.

For more information, contact: London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100 or visit the website at www.london2012.com.

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