Lagardère Sports, through its specialist agency Event Knowledge Services (EKS), will lead Budapest’s overall bid, develop and manage the bid strategy and support the development of detailed technical aspects of Budapest’s Games plan, they claimed. 

Other services include preparation of the technical presentation for the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Evaluation Commission, marketing advice and assistance in delivering the major presentations to the IOC and other key Games stakeholders.

Besides EKS, whose chief executive is Craig McLatchey, a key figure in the success of the 2000 Olympics and Paralympics in Sydney, other members of the consortium put together by Lagardère Sports include PwC Hungary and London-based marketing agency M-is, who will together support Budapest 2024. 

“Lagardère Sports has a long-standing relationship with Olympic Movement and we are excited to use this experience to provide strategic guidance, event planning and operational support to Budapest 2024 over the next 18 months," Andrew Georgiou, the chief operating officer of Lagardère Sports, said. 

"With our integrated approach to Games delivery and our knowledge of the local market through our existing business activities in Hungary, I’m certain we can support Budapest as a strong candidate for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The French-based company, founded by Jean-Luc Lagardère, already have several interests in Hungary. 

These include the operation, management and marketing of the Groupama Arena in Budapest, the home stadium of Ferencvárosi Torna Club, Hungary's most popular football club, with whom they have a comprehensive marketing agreement. 

Lagardère Sports also sells hospitality and sponsorship for the Hungarian national team's home matches, which take place in the Groupama Arena, on behalf of the Hungarian Football Association.

As ‘Guardians of the Bid’, it is our role to choose the best partners to ensure that Budapest 2024 truly reflects our collective commitment to the values of the Olympic Movement," said Balazs Furjes, the chairman of Budapest 2024. 

"Lagardère Sports shares the Olympic spirit and with its global presence and strong expertise will help Budapest’s aspirations to present a strong Olympic bid, which is ideal for the Olympians and Paralympians of tomorrow.

"I believe together we can showcase how great Budapest and its people are. We want to proudly demonstrate what our city and country have to offer to the international stage.

"Lagardère Sports will give us the ability to let the world know we are ready to welcome the world to Budapest.”