Leading businessman Eike Batista’s group announces a further contribution of R$ 13 million to Rio bid

With just over two months to go until the IOC’s selection of a Host City for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Rio de Janeiro bid continues to receive support from private enterprise. Already a campaign partner since April, when a donation of R$10 million was made to the bid, entrepreneur Eike Batista’s EBX Group has invested a further R$13 million in the city’s Olympic project.

For the President of the Rio 2016 Bid Committee, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, the new investment illustrates the confidence Brazilian entrepreneurs have in the project and their recognition of the significant commercial and broadcast opportunities that will be created if Rio hosts the Games. “We are in the final stages of the campaign and there’s a great sense of unity. We are honored by the confidence shown by EBX and the other sponsors; it underpins the certainty of our bid and the widespread support in the business community. Since he first encountered Rio 2016, Eike Batista has become a very enthusiastic supporter,” said Nuzman.

With headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, the EBX Group is a holding company that develops and manages businesses in mining, energy, logistics, oil and gas, renewables and entertainment. “We believe that Rio is ready and will win the right to host the Games. The project is of critical importance for the city and country and we will remain committed, supporting the candidature, until the vote. My confidence in victory is even greater because of the dedication of President Lula, the Governor, the Mayor and the extraordinary team of the Rio 2016 Bid Committee,” said Eike Batista, Chairman of the EBX Group.

As well as EBX, the Rio 2016 Committee is sponsored by Embratel, TAM and Odebrecht.

More information:
Catherine St-Laurent
cstlaurent@verocom.co.uk

Saint-Clair Milesi
saintclair.milesi@rio2016.org.br