London 2012 lines up Royal Mail as top-tier backer

by Ed Kemp, Marketing 11-Apr-07, 08:30

LONDON - London 2012 is seeking International Olympic Committee approval for another top-tier domestic sponsorship category.

Postal services will be the 10th category if approved by the IOC. Chris Townsend, commercial director of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, had said there would be nine tier-one partners, but more could be available if further relevant brands presented themselves.

Royal Mail is hotly tipped to be the leading candidate. In 2005, it produced a set of commemorative stamps featuring athletes in action to celebrate London's selection as host city of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

There are currently eight confirmed top-tier domestic sponsorship packages: banking, oil and gas, utility services, automotive, insurance, telecommunication, airline and sportswear.

Last month it emerged that London 2012 was talking to domestic and international beer brands about a ninth tier-one category.

In January, Marketing revealed that Lloyds TSB would become the first official domestic partner of the games.