A release informs that the agency was chosen following a competitive European Union tendering process initiated by Paris 2012 in December. This had involved seven international agencies. The global public relations campaign will fully adhere to and respect the International Olympic Committee (IOC) bidding rules on the use of international public relations.

The release adds that Weber Shandwick has significant experience managing communications campaigns for winning city Olympic and event bid efforts, including Beijing 2008, Turin 2006 and Sydney 2000.

The choice of an international agency also indicates Paris 2012’s intent to promote its bid beyond France’s borders. Paris 2012 DG Philippe Baudillon added, "We are taking a new approach to our communications for Paris 2012, one that has evolved from an analysis of previous bids. To raise our profile, we have hired Weber Shandwick, as they are one of the strongest international public relations agencies and have a proven track record in bidding and the Olympic world."

French agency Publicis was appointed last year to handle national communications. To strengthen its internal team, Paris 2012 has also invited Jon Tibbs, who led the global public relations campaigns for Beijing 2008 and Athens 2004, to join as its international adviser.