BRUSSELS — General Electric is seeking public relations support for its fast-growing oil and gas unit.

The Holmes Report understands that a number of firms are contending for the assignment, which includes a London hub, supported by Brussels, France and Italy.

The review comes after GE Energy split into its constituent businesses at the start of this year. Of these, the $15bn oil and gas unit is considered critical to expansion and is the company’s fastest-growing business.

According to Reuters, GE has spent $14bn since 2007 acquiring oil and gas assets, making it a major player in shale gas extraction and deepwater production.

The ‘fracking’ boom has boosted the unit’s growth, but could also cause public relations problems in Europe, where opposition to the drilling method has been fierce.

A GE spokesperson declined to comment on the review. GE Energy has previously worked with Edelman in the US and other markets.