The United States Olympic Committee announced today that it has signed an agreement with Swatch Group Ltd. to be the official sponsor and supplier of the 2004, 2006 and 2008 U.S. Olympic Teams and the 2003 and 2007 U.S. Pan American Games Teams in the category of timekeeping.

‘We are extremely proud to team with the Swatch Group, a long time sponsor and partner of the Olympic Movement, in providing necessary equipment and time pieces for the U.S. Olympic Team,’ said Lloyd Ward, Chief Executive Officer of the United States Olympic Committee.

‘Swatch Group’s marketing innovations and powerful brands make them a strong partner as we work to more deeply connect our U.S. Olympic Team and athletes to the American public. Our partnership with Swatch Group is a continuation of our commitment to work with the world’s leading companies and marketing organizations.’

As part of the agreement, Swatch, a company of the Swatch Group Ltd., will be the official sponsor and supplier for timing and scoring systems, and for watches and clocks that have the primary function of measuring time for the U.S. Olympic Team.

The agreement also makes Swatch an official licensee of the United States Olympic Committee. With this designation, Swatch will be the distributor of the official licensed collections of Olympic watches, including the official U.S. Olympic Team watches through 2008.

‘The Swatch Group and myself have for a long time been associated to all important sports activities worldwide, especially to the Olympic Movement’, says Nicolas G. Hayek, Chief Executive Officer of the Swatch Group Ltd.

‘We therefore consider ourselves a member of the Olympic Family, and not a paying sponsor. We are particularly proud of this partnership with the USOC as they promote the highest ideals of peaceful competition among the youth of the U.S. May the best win.’

With today’s announcement, Swatch Group Ltd. rejoins the U.S. Olympic Family. The company was an official sponsor of the 1992, 1994 and 1996 U.S. Olympic Teams. Swatch was also an official licensee of the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team.

For further information please contact:

United States Olympic Committee
Media and Public Relations Division
T: +1 (719) 866-4529