Unilever reviews media accounts in key global markets
07 Jul 2009
Unilever is reviewing its media planning and buying accounts in the UK and key global markets. The UK account alone is worth £148 million. Unilever is one of the world's largest advertisers encompassing 13 countries around the globe.
In a statement, the company said the majority of its media duties are handled by "aligned, leading agencies from within the WPP, Omnicom and Interpublic marketing-services groups."
All three agency groups will be invited to re-pitch for the account. All three agency groups are invited to take part.
The statement went on to say that it's Unilever's policy to periodically review its media-agency relationships. Omnicom's PHD works with Unilever in Canada and Central Europe, and Interpublic Group of Cos.' Initiative also has a relationship with the marketer.
Laura Klauberg, Unilever VP, global media, said a statement:, "As we drive media innovation and improved value for Unilever, and as dramatic changes in the media landscape reshape our communication needs, we are continuing to evaluate the service and capabilities of our media agency partners across all disciplines. Unilever has undergone significant change in the past four or five years, and this review gives us the opportunity to find the optimum solutions for our business."
The markets under review include Argentina, Mexico, North America, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, India and China.
Unilever last reviewed its £680 millio European media accounts in 2004, with Mindshare winning out over Initiative and Carat.
Globally, Unilever's annual advertising spend is in excess of $5 billion.
