Aeronautics giant EADS, City Partner München, Eventpool, JMT Mietmöbel and United Ambient Media join the impressive list of influential multinationals and dynamic small to medium enterprises (SMEs) supporting the Bavarian capital's candidature.

They will help promote the Munich 2018 brand and bid activities in their business environments, as well as contributing extensive expertise to all aspects of the Bid.

Jürgen Bühl, managing director of the Munich 2018 Bid Committee, said: "The commitment by these five new Friends of the Bid demonstrates that local, national and international businesses can see the wealth of opportunities that hosting the Winter Games would generate - not only for their own businesses, but for their entire industries.

"In addition to financial support, these businesses are pledging to contribute their expertise, ideas and products to Munich 2018's Bid.

"The level of support is continually increasing.

"Companies of all sizes and all industries are seizing the chance to back the Bid and the entire German business community is putting its considerable weight behind us."

As part of the programme that was set up by Munich 2018 earlier this year - in a joint effort with the Chamber of Commerce for Munich and Upper Bavaria - the Friends of the Bid concept allows smaller firms to commit to supporting and promoting Munich.

At this crucial stage of the Bid, the Munich 2018 Bid Committee can rely on a strong group of SMEs and national sponsors as it prepares to welcome the evaluation commission to Munich from March 1 to 4.

Peter Inselkammer, chief executive officer of City Partner München, said: "We hope to generate nationwide awareness of the Bid, but more importantly we aim to demonstrate cosmopolitanism and sustainability.

"We want to motivate the city's inhabitants and businesses to work together efficiently towards a shared goal that would leave a long-lasting legacy for the nation."

Alexander Reinhardt, of EADS, said: "The support and assistance we provide for young athletes from the region could help them realise their ultimate dream in 2018.

"We would be extremely proud to have the chance to see home-grown talents compete in Bavaria."

Christian Timmer, of Eventpool 2018, said: "We will offer our event know-how, manpower, consultation expertise, organisational experience and creative services to assist the Munich 2018 Bid Committee."

Sönke Westphal, of JMT Mietmöbel, said: "We hope that our high-class designer furniture, that offers a comfortable welcome to visitors from all over the world, acts a true symbol of the Bavarian hospitality and friendliness that would greet guests of every nationality in 2018."

Enrico Geigle, marketing director for United Ambient Media, said: "We are committed to boosting national enthusiasm for the Bid through a nationwide promotional campaign with hundreds of thousands of flyers and an online map of support the Bid is receiving.

"The sustainable and environmentally-friendly strategy that uses existing infrastructure - adapting Summer Games venues into winter sport competition sites - is a true testimony to Germany's unrivalled capacity to host the games in an entirely original way."


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