Rio 2016 Seeks Telecoms Deal, Meets Biz Leaders; London 2012 Books Two Licensees

(ATR) The telecommunications category will be the next sponsorship for Rio 2016, says director general Leonardo Gryner.

But Gryner says the negotiation process will take longer than it did for Bradesco, the banking and insurance sponsorship announced this week. Gryner says the banking deal was covered on two pages; the telecommunications proposal runs to 100 pages he says.

Gryner was one of a series of speakers Thursday in Rio De Janeiro where the commercial program for the 2016 Olympics was launched. Several hundred representatives of Brazilian companies and advertising agencies packed the hotel ballroom for the open-to-all briefing.

Commercial director Maggie Sanchez, hired just a few weeks ago, made her debut. She said the domestic marketing program will offer flexibility to meet the differing needs of business.

"While some want to generate business, the focus of others is the brand and [we] have those that target competitiveness. Our program offers business opportunities to take your business to another level," she said at the briefing.

"We have an experienced team to help in the activation of the brand. We will have workshops, develop networking opportunities and online resources, among other initiatives," she said.

Sanchez listed some of the major activities for Rio 2016 which could become sponsorship events: the arrival and tour of the Olympic flag in 2012, uniforms, Brazil House in London and Sochi and the creation of megastores and licensed products.

The program also included a panel of Olympic marketing experts moderated by Michael Payne. Panelists included Peter Foss of GE and Rob Prazmark of 21 Marketing.

Bradesco Prepares for Olympic Sponsorship

While Bradesco’s sponsorship begins Jan. 1, chief marketing officer Jorge Nasser says the company won’t rush into an advertising campaign.

"We are currently studying all the possibilities that this partnership brings," he said.

Nasser told the Rio sponsorship briefing that the company hopes its $320 million sponsorship leaves a legacy for Brazil.

"It's a unique moment in the history of Brazil," said Nasser who noted the bank’s support of sport goes back to 1943 – in volleyball.

"Bradesco has a commitment to the sport and wants to leave a legacy. We have three pillars of activity: culture, investment in training athletes and leave a legacy of infrastructure," he said.

The bank currently has sponsorships with six national federations: swimming, rowing, sailing, rugby, basketball and judo.

London 2012 Signs Two Licensees

London 2012 has signed on UK companies Dartington and Bombki as licensees for the Summer Games.

Dartington will supply glass home and gift items such as drinking galsses, vases and bowls and commemorative pieces.

The items will feature London’s skyline, the Union Jack and mascots. The company also will provide collectible items featuring the Olympic and Paralympic sports designs.

Bombki will manufacture collectible handmade glass baubles and decorations.

"We welcome our latest licensees to the program – both are excellent examples of how smaller and medium sized companies across the UK are becoming part of London 2012," Chris Townsend, London 2012 Commercial Director, said in a press release.

The products can be purchased from the London 2012 online store, retail outlets at St. Pancras International and Paddington stations and at official venue merchandise outlets during the Games.

Munich Gains Five Partners

Five companies have become "Friends" of theMunich 2018 bid.

Ski maker Volkl, coin dealer MDM, online video platform strem5, Neumann & muller Event technology and the Riessersee Hotel Sport & Spa Resort have partnered with the bid.

"The level of backing for the bid is continually increasing and we are gaining support from businesses nationwide where every level of the German business community is united in support of the Winter Games in 2018," Bernhard Schwank, Munich 2018 Bid Committee CEO, said in a press release.

MDM presented Munich 2018 with three silver coins with Munich Olympic Park, the Olympic Hill and the Konigssee Sliding Center featured on them. The company also created a special edition coin for the 1972 Olympics.

Munich 2018 now has 16 corporate partners.

PyeongChang Signs Two Sponsors

PyeongChang has signed confectionery maker Lotte Group on as a sponsor for its bid to host the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The sponsorship deal is said to be worth more than $700,000.

"The Lotte Group is one of the largest organizations in Asia and I would like to thank it for its generous support," PyeongChang 2018 CEO Yang Ho Cho said.

PyeongChang 2018 also signed a sponsorship deal with Korea’sNational Agricultural Cooperative Federation worth nearly $900,000.

Rivals Bidding for Canadian Broadcast Rights

Canadian broadcasting giants Rogers and CTVglobemedia hope to repeat the success of the 2010 Olympics, and will make a joint bid for the Olympic broadcasting rights for the 2014 and 2016 Olympics.

A spokeswoman for the consortium was quoted by Canadian media saying, "Vancouver 2010 was such an unprecedented experience, that we'd be remiss not to have discussions for future bids. Each new set of Games brings a new set of opportunities, and we will evaluate accordingly."

The consortium, formally known as the Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium, will broadcast the 2012 Games as well.

Public broadcaster CBC has traditionally broadcast the Games and is expected to bid for the 2014 and 2016 Olympics.

RWCL Gains Sponsor, Partner

Rugby World Cup Limited named a new worldwide sponsor and partner this week.

Auto maker Land Rover has signed on as a sponsor of the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.

Land Rover will provide vehicles to organizers, teams and officials for the tournaments. The auto maker has sponsored England Rugby, Premiership Rugby and the UK’s Land Rover Premiership Cup. It is the first time Land Rover will sponsor the Rugby World Cup.

"Land Rover is a true champion of Rugby from community to elite level and we look forward to working closely with Land Rover to promote Rugby around the world across two tournaments that will position Rugby in new markets around the world, reaching out to new communities and audiences," RWCL Chairman Bernard Lapasset said in a press release.

French bank Societe Generale has joined on as a partner of Rugby World Cup Limited for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, and the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England as well.

The firm will be the official bank for the 2011 RWC which will be held Sept. 9 to Oct. 23, 2011.

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With reporting from Ed Hula and Isia Reaves.

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