Sponsor Spotlight: Atos Origin

Atos Origin to Stay Online?

Atos Origin may stay in the Games through 2016, according to the company's sales and marketing director.

"Return on investment is very good and we are already talking [to the IOC] about an extension towards 2016," said Guillame Huard at the Marketing & the Olympic Games conference in London. This past Olympic experience helps Atos win other big contracts, Huard said.

The company created and managed the IT infrastructure at Athens and Turin. It joined the Olympic program when it acquired SchlumbergerSema, the IT partner for the Salt Lake Games.

Worldwide sponsors joined London 2012 executives and sponsors in sharing strategies and insights about ways to leverage partnerships. Presenters included Visa International, Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Lloyds of London, among others. Discussions on brand awareness, global appeal, consumer behavior and other topics were part of the two-day schedule.

Sponsor Briefs…

Operators of Vancouver International Airport are the newest official supplier of the 2010 Games , under a deal announced March 13. The deal marks the first time an airport has been named a Games supplier, according to VANOC. The Vancouver Airport Authority also will sponsor Canadian Olympic teams from Beijing through the London Olympics.

GE chief executive Jeffrey Immelt told investors in his annual letter the company is not selling NBC Universal. Some industry watchers have speculated the NBC unit would be sold after the Beijing Games.

Immelt also wrote that the 2008 Olympics present an opportunity for the company to enter China's fast-growing economy, and is less about bringing in advertising dollars. GE is focusing on growth through product innovation and opportunities in emerging markets, like that of China.

Kleenex will sponsor a 40-minute documentary called "Let it Out: The Movie". The film aims to capture emotional moments in Olympic history and will premier during this summer’s Games at USA House in Beijing.

"With Let it Out: The Movie, we are providing the public the canvas to revel in these memories and emotions and let them out. We are thrilled to embark on such a unique and exciting journey with the help of Olympic Games fans from across the U.S. in honor of the 2008 Games," says Anya Schmidt, Kleenex brand manager.

Kleenex, a maker of facial tissues, is an official supplier of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Click here to find out more.

Coca-Cola posted a 12 percent rise in same-store sales in February. Sales in Europe were even higher at 15.4 percent.

Nussli, a Swiss-based supplier of temporary infrastructure, signed a three-year partnership with the International Ski Federation. The deal covers the FIS World Cup events and FIS World Championships.

Nussli will lend its technical experience to FIS event organizers to help plan and create temporary infrastructures.

Swimwear company Speedo is sponsoring World Swim Against Malaria April 5 . The event encourages people to swim and donate a $5 donation, which will be used to buy mosquito nets to protect against malaria. Speedo sponsors several Olympic hopefuls, including Michael Phelps, Grant Hackett, Natalie Coughlin and Katie Hoff. To find out more, click here .

Written by Laura Grundyand Maggie Lee.

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