TMC wins 21m Courage media

The Media Centre (TMC) has won Courage’s 21m media buying and planning account following a final pitch against IDK.

The win takes TMC’s new business billings to 60m this year, but there is uncertainty over the marketing plans of Scottish & Newcastle, Courage’s new parent.

The Monopolies and Mergers Commission inquiry into S&N’s acquisition of Courage is expected to be completed this month.

A S&N spokesman says no decisions have been made on future marketing and advertising for the unified company. “Once management control moves to S&N we will conduct a comprehensive business review.”

CDP Media, S&N’s media buyer for the past 13 years, is keen to pitch for the business.

However, a TMC source says it is hopeful that advertising and marketing decisions made now will stay in place: “Our understanding is that John Nicolson [Courage marketing director] and his team have a place in the new set-up.”

“This decision has not been taken in isolation from S&N’s future plans,” says Nicolson. “It always knew what we were doing and why we were doing it.”