Addleshaws trades legal services for sponsorship rights

Manchester and Leeds firm Addleshaw Booth & Co has entered into a ground-breaking sponsorship deal with the 2002 Commonwealth Games under which the firm will have its brand associated with the games in lieu of 1 million worth of fees.

In a new spin on the recent spate of shares for fees deals, as the event's official partner Addleshaws will be handling all the legal work for free in return for various sponsorship rights, including associated branding.

The sponsorship agreement follows Addleshaws' appointment as official lawyers to the games two years ago.

The 2002 Commonwealth Games will be held in Manchester and is billed as the biggest ever multi-sport event to be held in the UK, with an expected cumulative television audience of one billion.Addleshaws' chairman Paul Lee said: 'Our sponsorship agreement is one of the most innovative entered into by a law firm and involves an enormous commitment of resource and expertise over the next two years to help ensure that the games are a huge success.'

Anne Mizzi