Jim Cantalupo, chairman and CEO of McDonald's Corporation with Chinese Olympic champion diver Guo Jingjing in Beijing

McDonald's Announces Olympic Partnership Through 2012 Games

 First Time McDonald's Has Renewed
Its Sponsorship for Four Consecutive Olympic Games

McDonald's today announced the renewal of its worldwide Olympic Partnership through the 2012 Games, continuing the company's long-standing commitment to the Olympic Movement and the athletes who compete in the world's premiere sporting event.

As a TOP (The Olympic Partners Program) sponsor and Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games, McDonald's serves its world-famous food to the thousands of athletes, coaches and spectators in attendance. This eight-year renewal continues McDonald's exclusive marketing rights in the restaurant and food service category for the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy; the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China; the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Canada; and the 2012 Olympic Games, which will be awarded to a host city in July 2005.

"McDonald's has been a proud Olympic partner for nearly three decades because we believe in the spirit and ideals of the Games," said Jim Cantalupo, McDonald's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "As a global brand serving 47 million customers every day, we share the same core principles of teamwork, excellence and being the best that make the Olympic Games a model of excellence for the world."

As a TOP sponsor, McDonald's rights include: use of the Olympic rings in global marketing efforts; exclusive sponsorship opportunities with the 201 national Olympic teams around the world; and status as the Official Restaurant Partner of the Olympic Games through 2012. In addition to providing food service at the Olympic Games, McDonald's will conduct Olympic-themed promotions and activities to support the Olympic Games in its markets and countries worldwide.

Peter Tan, McDonald's relationship partner in China said, "McDonald's China is pleased to welcome the 2008 Olympic Games to Beijing. It is our honor and privilege to continue the McDonald's tradition of serving athletes from around the world a familiar taste of home. Our 580 McDonald's restaurants throughout China will also proudly deliver this special customer experience to our worldwide guests."

McDonald's commitment to the international Olympic Movement began in 1968, when the company airlifted hamburgers to U.S. athletes in Grenoble, France. Since then, McDonald's has served its menu of choice and variety to millions of athletes, their families and fans. The 2004 Olympic Games in Athens mark McDonald's fourth Olympics as a TOP sponsor and fifth as the Official Restaurant of the Olympic Games.

McDonald's is the world's leading food service retailer with more than 30,000 local McDonald's restaurants serving 47 million customers each day in more than 100 countries. More than 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants around the world are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women.  Visit their website at www.McDonalds.com