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The first sponsor of the 2014 Commonwealth Games has been named as the Glasgow law firm Harper Macleod.

The company has signed up for what is called a "tier two" sponsor.

It will provide a number of services, including legal support on commercial contracts, sponsorship, broadcasting, anti-doping and licensing.

Glasgow 2014 chairman, Lord Smith, said the deal proved that compared with previous games Glasgow was "ahead of the curve".

He added: "Getting sponsors on board in this economic climate does have its challenges, but Glasgow 2014 has such a good story to tell that businesses like Harper Macleod couldn't wait to be formally associated with us in this way."

The Glasgow games are expected to raise more than £20m through a three-tiered sponsorship structure.

The deal with the law firm is the first of three due to be announced over the next few weeks.

Each is thought to be worth about £1m.

Professor Lorne Crerar

, chairman of Harper Macleod, said: "This is one of the most exciting events to befall Scotland in recent years so we're delighted to be on board as the official law firm of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

"The Games are a defining moment for Glasgow, and Scotland as a whole, as the opportunities for local businesses will be profound and should provide a real boost at a time when our economy needs it most."