Thread, article in USA Today concerning Compaq's possible participation in future Olympics in place of IBM...
Compaq may sponsor Olympics
NEW YORK -- Compaq Computer is talking with the
International Olympic Committee about replacing IBM as one
technology sponsor of the Olympic Games.
IBM's relationship with the IOC will end after its sponsorship of
the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Australia. IBM unexpectedly
broke off its 38-year relationship with the Olympics several
months ago when it couldn't agree to financial terms of an
eight-year deal with the IOC.
"Compaq is flattered to be approached by the Olympic
Committee to be a sponsor," Compaq spokesman Alan Hodel
says.
"We are exploring a number of global sponsorship opportunities,
including the Olympic Games, and we continue to evaluate these
opportunities."
The IOC says it is looking to replace IBM's sponsorship with
several companies that could include a computer hardware
company, a software provider and an Internet company.
IBM was among 11 global sponsors of the 1998 Games. Most,
including IBM, paid the IOC more than $40 million for a
sponsorship package.
Splitting the technology sponsorship could be difficult, says Lance
Helgeson of the IEG Sponsorship Report. Some companies are
in more than one technology business and may be reluctant to
share their rights with a competitor.
By Melanie Wells, USA TODAY |
