As the Olympic torch arrives in Beijing to tour the city before Friday's opening ceremony, the city is all decked out with images everywhere of the Games' sponsors. For global brands, the Olympics are an ideal venue because of the worldwide audience, though this year they may receive more enthusiasm from local consumers in China than viewers abroad.

Wondering what company is in charge of the clocks used to decide who takes home the silver or gold? Curious to see what the 2008 Olympic medals look like? Like any big production, it takes money to make it all happen. Click "start slideshow" to see the elaborate ads and hardly subtle Olympic supporters.