Bach is planning to finalise the deal in Tokyo on Friday (June 14) with Bridgestone, which will see them join the Olympic partnership TOP programme of 10 world-class companies, including the likes of Coca-Cola and McDonald's, Japanese news agency Kyodo News reported. 

It will be the second Japanese company to become a top sponsor after Panasonic.

The a multinational auto and truck parts manufacturer based in Chūō will pay a reported 35 billion yen (£204 million/$344 million/€252 million) to become an IOC sponsor.

The deal with Bridgestone is expected to raise awareness of Japan worldwide as Tokyo prepares for the 2020 Olympics.

Bridgestone was founded in 1931 in Fukuoka.

Its name comes from a calque translation and transposition of ishibashi, meaning "stone bridge" in Japanese.

It has nearly 150 production facilities in more than 25 countries.

Bridgestone has been actively involved in sports sponsorship for several years, including last year signing a deal until 2017 to become the title sponsor of Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of Europe's UEFA Champions League

It also a sponsor of the International Ski Federation's Alpine Ski World Cup events and involved in the National Football League, National Hockey League and the Professional Golfers Association in the United States.

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