Sponsor Spotlight -- New London 2012 Sponsor; TOP Sponsors Financial Reports

Thomas Cook New London 2012 Sponsor

LOCOG’s 23rd sponsorship is with tour operator Thomas Cook. The sixth tier two partner will provide short break vacations, including accommodation, transport and event tickets.

No value was put on the sponsorship during a teleconference Tuesday. It is estimated to be worth more than $30 million to LOCOG, in line with other tier two deals.

Fontenla-Novoa said being a partner of the 2012 Games is about more than his company’s bottom line.

“This is about much, much more than making money for us. We really believe in the Olympics in London, and being involved is very important to us. You can’t put a value on that,” he said.

Although tour packages will not go on sale until 2011, when event tickets become available, Thomas Cook has started to promote its Olympic association through its 800 travel agencies, brochures and on its fleet of nearly 100 aircraft, encouraging potential customers to register online for updates and promotional draws.

It is estimated that Thomas Cook will sell more than 250,000 ticket packages.

TOP Sponsors Coke, McDonald’s, GE Financial Reports

TOP sponsor Coca-Cola reported profits were up for the third quarter.

Coca-Cola reported net income of $1.896 billion in the third quarter. It had a net income of $1.89 billion in the third quarter in 2008.

Sales outside the U.S. helped Coca-Cola’s profits rise.

McDonald’s reported an increase in earnings in the third quarter. The company saw a 10 percent increase in earnings per share over last year.

“The consistent strength of McDonald’s business is the result of our commitment to the customer,” Jim Skinner, McDonald’s CEO, said.

“We are keeping the McDonald’s brand in demand and growing market share around the world by serving great tasting food at an outstanding value in a way that’s convenient to today’s customers,” he continued.

General Electric (GE) reported a 44 percent decrease in its third quarter profits but exceeded expectations.

The company expected 20 cent a share but its profit came in at 27 cents a share for the quarter.

“In a global economic environment that is beginning to slowly recover, GE delivered solid third-quarter business results,” USA Speedskating faces a $300,000 budget shortfall after sponsor DSB Bank was declared bankrupt on Monday. (Getty Images) Jeff Immelt, GE chairman and chief executive, said.

US Speedskating Comes Up Short after DBS Bankruptcy

A bankrupt DSB Bank has left US Speedskating with one less sponsor four months before the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

US Speedskating faces a budget shortfall of nearly $350,000 after a Dutch court declared the bank bankrupt last week.

“It is our mission to ensure our U.S. Speedskating Olympic Team has everything they need to be successful and we will continue toward that end,” Brad Goskowicz, President of US Speedskating, said.

“The impact will be seriously felt and we will be seeking additional sponsor opportunities.”

Despite the shortfall, US Speedskating will keep its existing competition schedule.

Scotiabank for 2011 Pan Ams, Mexico NOC

Scotiabank will be a top-tier sponsor for both the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara and the Mexico Olympic Committee.

Amount of the sponsorship was not disclosed at the Oct. 20 announcement.

The sponsorship is said to be the first of its kind in Mexico for the bank.

Based in Canada with operations in 30 nations in the Pan American region, Scotiabank is supposed to help promote the 2011 Pan Ams through its banking network.

Mexico NOC President Felipe Munoz Kapamas says the Scotia deal will have an impact on training and preparation of athletes.

"In Mexico we have a hard time getting sponsorships. Scotiabank, for us, will be a great support,” he is quoted in a report by Rosalina Corando in Esto newspaper.

Briefs …

…The Qatar Bid Committee for the 2022 FIFA World Cup signed a sponsorship and exhibition deal for Soccerex 09. The Committee will promote their bid for the first FIFA World Cup in the Middle East.

…Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Consortium and RBC have agreed to a multi-platform sponsorship agreement for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. The agreement gives RBC exclusivity in the Financial Institution Products and Services category.

With reporting from Isia Reaves, Steven Downes and Ed Hula

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