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(March 26, 2004, Beijing, China) - Lenovo Group, the largest hi-tech enterprise in China, today joined the sixth generation of the International Olympic Committee's global sponsorship programme, The Olympic Partner (TOP) Programme. This is the first time a Chinese enterprise has joined the IOC's top level worldwide marketing programme. As the exclusive computing technology equipment and service provider, Lenovo will support the Olympic Organising Committees and National Olympic Committees around the world through 2008 by providing computer equipment and services to the Turin Olympic Winter Games in 2006 and the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008.
Mr. Liu Qi, Member of Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Secretary of Beijing Committee of Chinese Communist Party and President of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG); Mr. Gerhard Heiberg, Member of the IOC Executive Board, Chairman of the IOC Marketing Commission; Mr. Yuan Weimin, Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, President of Chinese Olympic Committee and Executive President of The Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad; Mr. Liu Jingmin, Vice Mayor of Beijing and Executive Vice President of BOCOG; Mrs. Evelina Christillin, Deputy President of the Turin Organising Committee of the 20th Olympic Winter Games; Mr. Liu Chuanzhi, Chairman of Lenovo Group and Mr. Yang Yuanqing, President and CEO of Lenovo Group all attended the signing ceremony in Beijing today.
The Olympic Partner (TOP) Programme is the highest level of sponsorship for the IOC. Companies that have joined this programme are designated as worldwide Olympic partners, partners of the IOC and the organising committees hosting the Olympic Games as well as over 200 national Olympic committees.
In return, TOP partners will benefit from using Olympic intellectual property for marketing and promotions. At the same time, TOP partners are granted exclusive worldwide marketing opportunities.
Lenovo will provide computing technology equipment such as desktop computers, laptops, servers, desktop printers as well as funding and technological support to 2006 Turin Olympic Games and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Computer hardware has become increasingly important to guarantee the smooth operation of the modern Olympic Games. It enables officials, media, staff and volunteers to perform their executive as well as games operational duties.
At the signing ceremony today, Mr. Jacques Rogge, President of the IOC, congratulated Lenovo as the first Chinese company to become an IOC worldwide partner in a pre-recorded speech. He said, "Today is a significant day because Lenovo Group is the first Chinese company to become a global partner of the IOC's TOP programme, thus becoming an important member in the Olympic Family. Your reputation for quality and excellence gives us great confidence in you. For the Olympic Movement, this partnership delivers funding to help stage the Olympic Games, technology equipment to operate the complex systems, services to manage the logistical demands, and people to staff some of the most critical functions. In addition, the relationship will play an important role in the promotion of the Olympic Movement and sport throughout China, Asia and across the globe."
"This is the first time for a Chinese company to become the IOC's TOP partner and we are excited to see this milestone in the history of the Olympic Movement," said Mr. Gerhard Heiberg, the IOC Marketing Commission Chairman. "All TOP family members are leading brands with outstanding quality and image. As everybody can see, TOP partners like Lenovo boast excellent product quality and corporate images, and they are the leaders in their respective fields. What they have achieved through their own efforts has not only won the trust of the IOC and Olympic host cities, but also that of Olympic teams and sports fans all over the world."
Extending his congratulations to Lenovo, Mr. Liu Jingmin, Deputy Mayor of Beijing and Executive Vice President of BOCOG said, "The Lenovo Group is an outstanding representative of China's hi-tech industry. Its products and services enjoy extensive market share and a high reputation with the Chinese people. Lenovo's cooperation with the IOC will remarkably improve its corporate brand value, greatly expand market share and serve as a model for other Chinese companies to work with international organisations to develop the world market."
Mrs. Evelina Christillin, Deputy President of the Turin Organising Committee of the 20th Olympic Winter Games expressed her gratitude to Lenovo for its commitment and support, and spoke highly of Lenovo¡¦s product and technology. "Lenovo's equipment for Turin Olympic Winter Games has been tested by ourselves and the IOC and put into use smoothly in Turin. Lenovo brings us world-class products and services that will be instrumental to the success of our work here," she said.
Mr. Liu Chuanzhi, Chairman of Lenovo Group said, "Being TOP partner brings both responsibility and opportunity to Lenovo. China will host Olympic Games for the first time in 2008. Lenovo will contribute its strength, experience and resources in order to guarantee the success of this event. The success of modern Olympic Games should be guaranteed by powerful computing equipment. We are proud of providing this assistance to both the 2006 Turin Olympic Winter Games and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games." He added, "The prosperity of China's economy and the growing importance of Chinese enterprises have drawn the attention of the world. Lenovo is pleased to have this opportunity to represent Chinese enterprises, and to contribute to the development of Olympic Movement."
Mr. Yang Yuanqing, President and CEO of Lenovo Group, said: "Lenovo appreciates the IOC's trust in Lenovo and our products. Lenovo is committed to supporting sports both in China and worldwide. Lenovo's belief in 'Innovation and Excellence' echoes the Olympic spirit of 'Faster, Higher, Stronger'. Becoming an IOC worldwide partner allows Lenovo to demonstrate its products and service to the world, while promoting social values and pursuing its corporate objectives."
According to Yang, Lenovo products have already been shipped to Turin and put into use. He is confident that with Lenovo's accumulated financial strength, technological power and service capabilities, the company will provide strong backing for the success of 2006 Turin Olympic Winter Games and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Apart from Lenovo, other partners in the sixth generation of the TOP programme included Coca-Cola, Atos Origin, GE, John Hancock, Kodak, McDonald's, Panasonic, Samsung, Swatch and Visa.
Lenovo Group (Legend Group Limited - HKSE stock code: 992; ADR stock code: LGHLY) is the largest hi-tech enterprise in China. The Group's own brand PCs have been the best seller in China since 1997, commanding a market share of about 27% in 2003. Lenovo PCs also tops the bestseller list in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan) with a market share of 12.6%. It has been actively involved in supporting sports activities including sponsoring China's National Women Soccer Team in 1999 and Beijing's successful bid for hosting the 2008 Olympic Games.
Note: The proposed change on the English company name to "Lenovo Group Limited" from "Legend Group Limited" had been approved by shareholders at the extraordinary general meeting held on March 25, 2004.
The TOP programme was established in 1985 based on a quadrennial structure. The term from 2005 to 2008 is the sixth generation of the TOP programme.
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