O2 in talks to run 2012 Park

THE owner of the O2 Arena is among 13 companies in talks to run the newly-built venues in the Olympic Park after the Games.

Anschutz Entertainment Group is among some of the world's top event management firms approached by Olympics chiefs aiming to safeguard the future of the five venues. The London Development Agency hopes to sign an operator to a 20- to 25-year lease.

Substantial profits are likely but will subsidise the main stadium, set to make a loss of £800,000 a year. Ownership will remain with the legacy delivery company, controlled by the Government, the Mayor and boroughs Newham and Hackney.