Willy Bogner, the Munich 2018 chief executive, and ambassadors Martina Ertl-Renz and Anna Schaffelhuber were present at this morning’s press conference at the practice’s offices in Munich.

Bogner said: "Norton Rose’s support comes at exactly the right time to boost our preparation of the bid book.

"We need a large number of contracts and guarantees with local authorities, so we will make full use of their extensive legal expertise.

"This partnership will enable us to continue uniting every level of German society, from individuals to Governments, from local businesses to international corporations, in passionate support of Munich’s bid to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. 

"With Norton Rose we have won a partner with a highly influential international network.

"During the Candidate City stage, these international contacts will be an invaluable asset in helping us tell our story all over the world."

Dr. Alexander von Bergwelt, the managing partner of Norton Rose LLP in Germany, explained the motivation behind the firm’s support of Munich’s bid to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

He said: "Norton Rose is a sports-minded law firm.

"Naturally, we support Munich’s application to host the Winter Games in 2018.

"We have local roots and a global presence, with our network of 30 offices all over the world and our lawyers cover all relevant areas of legal expertise.

"This allows us to provide optimal support to the Bid Committee, particularly drafting the bid book, which will form an important basis for selecting the 2018 Host City."

Professor Dr. Wilhelm Bender, external advisor at Norton Rose LLP and new supervisory board chairman of German football club Eintracht Frankfurt, was confident that the new partnership will provide the Munich 2018 Bid Committee with even greater momentum as they seek to build on last week’s positive report from the International Olympic Committee Working Group.

He said: "I am confident that Munich will win the bid to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games 2018.

"The public’s enthusiasm for such a major sports event - on a local, national and international level - is of crucial importance.

"Sport brings people together and builds bridges.

"Norton Rose shares this view, and is committed to the core values of Olympism – team spirit, fairness and mutual collaboration."


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