Bridgestone Acknowledges Talks with IOC on TOP Sponsor Deal

(ATR) A Bridgestone spokesperson says they have no comment on a possible TOP Sponsor agreement.

Speaking to Around the Rings,Paul Oakley, vice president of communications at Bridgestone, said the company "is not in any position" to comment on developments.

Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun reported that the IOC-Bridgestone deal would be for $344 million and run from the 2016 Olympics through the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Bridgestone is a Japanese company.

"At Bridgestone, we believe it is critical that we reinforce and grow our brand on a global level. To support that goal, we have held discussions with a number of potential partners, including the IOC. However, we are not in a position to make any announcements at this time," Oakley said in the full statement provided to Around the Rings.

Currently only one other Japanese company, Panasonic, is an IOC TOP Sponsor. Bridgestone's deal with the IOC could prevent Korean companiesHankook or Kumho from becoming national sponsors of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.

Previously, the IOC told Around the Ringsthey would only comment "if and when an agreement is finalized and announced."

Written by Aaron Bauer

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