EDF to sponsor London 2012 Olympics

Utilities company EDF is expected to be named the second tier-one sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic Games tomorrow (Wednesday). EDF is the capital’s largest electricity supplier and will pay up to £80m to become the Games’ official utilities partner.

The French electricity company hedged its bets before the host city was announced by supporting both the Paris and London bids. The deal will give EDF the right to use the much-derided London 2012 logo and first refusal on tickets and corporate hospitality.

The announcement is being made by London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG) chairman Sebastian Coe and chief executive Paul Deighton. Lloyds TSB was named the official banking partner earlier this year.

There are still five other tier one categories remaining – oil & gas, telecommunications, sportswear, automotive and airlines. The committee is also investigating the possibility of adding an eighth category to allow it to sign up a beer sponsor.