Olympic TOP Sponsor Dow Proposes DuPont Merger -- Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) Dow tells Around the Rings it will remain a TOP sponsor of the Olympics despite the company’s proposed merger with DuPont.

"The Dow Chemical Company remains the Official Chemistry Company and a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic Games," a Dow spokesperson tells ATR.

The two companies agreed to a merger of equals on Dec. 11, proposing the creation of DowDuPont. The new company will eventually split into three separate entities specializing in agriculture, material sciences and specialty products.

"This transaction is a game-changer for our industry and reflects the culmination of a vision we have had for more than a decade to bring together these two powerful innovation and material science leaders," said Andrew N. Liveris, Dow’s chairman and chief executive officer.

Liveris is known for his strong support of the Olympic Movement, one of the primary reasons the sponsorship deal was signed with the IOC in 2010. The deal is set to run through the Tokyo 2020 Games.

When asked by ATR how the future division of the merged company might affect the sponsorship, Dow was unable to provide comment. It is likely too early to tell if one of the three companies would maintain the Olympic partnership.

The proposed merger will be finalized in the second half of 2016 barring any regulatory setbacks. Dow says the merger will not affect the Rio 2016 Games next August.

"We are preparing for Rio 2016," Dow tells ATR.

As the merger may not be finalized before Rio 2016, DowDuPont will likely make its first appearance in the Olympic Movement at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.

ANOC Opens RFP for World Beach Games Rights

The Association of National Olympic Committees has opened a Request For Proposal (RFP) for the commercial rights of the 2017 and 2019 ANOC World Beach Games.

Agencies are invited to submit proposals for the rights of the event, including sponsorship, broadcast rights, host broadcast production and servicing. Companies may request either host broadcasting rights only, rights inclusive of host broadcasting rights or rights exclusive of host broadcasting.

The first edition of the ANOC World Beach Games is set to take place in San Diego, California between Sep. 29 and Oct. 9, 2017. ANOC says the event will allow commercial partners "unrivaled opportunities to engage and connect generations of young people around the world."

"The ANOC World Beach Games has been designed specifically to target young people and will look to capture their imagination through a mixture of exciting, youth-centric beach sports, music, entertainment, technology and cultural events," ANOC said in a statement.

The Beach Games will consist of up to 5,000 athletes competing in 20 non-Olympic sports to allow IFs to demonstrate new disciplines.

"We have no doubt that the ANOC World Beach Games will add real value to the international sports calendar and provide NOCs and IFs with an innovative way of engaging with young people and showcasing their athletes," said ANOC president Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.

Ricoh Partners with Rugby Players Association

Ricoh has partnered with the Rugby Players Association as the Official Managed IT and Document Services Partner.

The global technology company will use its experience with imaging equipment, document management systems and IT services to provide RPA members with work experience opportunities through a Personal Development Program.

RPA members will also be available to participate in Ricoh’s hospitality and events program.

"We are hoping to really add value to the RPA members by sharing this knowledge, on top of offering workplace opportunities across our eight lines of business," said Ricoh marketing director Chas Moloney.

Kellogg's Joins Team GB for Rio 2016

Breakfast and snack giant Kellogg’s has signed on as the official Team Great Britain Partner for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The partnership will allow Team GB marketing rights across Kellogg brands through the end of 2016.

Kellogg’s will name former and current athletes from Great Britain as team ambassadors in the coming months to support the campaign.

"We are proud to be an official partner of Team GB and it’s a winning fit for us as we look to create excitement for retailers and shoppers across our cereal and snacks brands ahead of and during Rio 2016," said Kellogg’s UK managing director Jonathan Myers.

Written by KevinNutley

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