2012 bosses target big business

The first invitations to tender will go out next month and the announcement of which companies have been successful is expected before March.

London 2012 chief executive Paul said it was a "unique opportunity" for major companies to become involved.

There are six 'partner' categories: banking, insurance, utilities, oil and gas, car and telecommunications.

Deighton has already held preliminary talks with numerous companies hoping to become 2012 partners.

Deighton added: "It's understandable that corporate interest is strong."

"But a company can only have an association with the London Games as an official partner of the organising committee."

Companies in the banking and insurance categories will be the first to have the opportunity to tender.

The tenders for the remaining categories will go out in the next few months.

It is thought oil giant BP is among those interested, as are British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

London 2012 have to raise around £2bn to stage the Games.

Around a third of this will come from TV rights. The rest must come from the National Lottery, ticket sales and sponsorship.

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London 2012 website
International Olympic Committee
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