Companies from six sectors will be asked to tender for sponsorship of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games this year.
Those categories are banking, insurance, utilities (gas and electricity), oil and gas, automotive and telecoms. An invitation to tender for those in the banking and insurance sectors will be issued in October. Tender for the remaining sectors will be issued in the next few months.
The invitation to tender will set out the timetable in detail for processes and timelines for companies to bid for marketing rights to the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, Team GB and Paralympics GB.
Oil companies were included in the list after several showed a strong interest in sponsorship of the games over the past few months.
Paul Deighton, CEO of the London organising committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: "This is a milestone moment for the organising committee of the London 2012 games and the business world.
"Staging the games will be one of the most exciting things to happen in this country in our lifetimes and we are delighted to announce today that companies from key sectors will have a unique opportunity to become official partners of the London games."
Successful bidders will be expected to show a commitment to the organising committee's vision to inspire young people to take up sport and to leave long-lasting community benefits after the athletes have gone.
Chris Townsend, commercial director for the organising committee, said: "Partner companies that integrate and align themselves with our vision, to use the London Games as a catalyst to strengthen communities and change lives on and off the sporting field, will themselves enjoy unique and long-lasting corporate and community legacies from their association with the games."
Revenue raised through these business partnerships will make an important contribution to the 拢2bn cost of staging the London 2012 Games. Money will also be raised through tickets and merchandise, as well as broadcasting rights.
The committee is keen to announce its first top-tier partner before the end of year, once the International Olympic Committee has officially ratified its marketing plan.
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