German stance hits EMU plans

Coca-Cola has been fined FF10m by France’s Competition Board for anti-competitive practices in the soft drinks market. The fine follows a complaint by competitor Orangina.

Germany’s cigarette industry association, Verband der Cigaretten-Industrie, is to relax its self-imposed ban on advertising at sports events to allow tobacco companies to promote their brands at the Luxembourg Grand Prix, at Nrburgring, in September.

Philippe Calleux, head of France’s FCA! agency for the past 30 years, has left to become chairman of Actions Communication Finances.

Telemedia, a division of Bertelsmann, is to launch a virtual shopping mall, Markt 24, in May. In addition to offering floorspace, Telemedia will also take on administration, distribution and customer management for companies appearing on the site.

Members of German publishing association VDZ are investigating the possibility of producing their own advertising expenditure data, amid accusations that figures from Nielsen/S&P, the traditional provider, are unreliable and expensive.

Havas, (right) the communications group, plans to set up a 15-strong worldwide network of agencies specialising in interactive media, under the name Connect World Virtual Network. Members will be drawn from the company’s EURO RSCG and Campus agency chains.

Kulmbacher brewery is to take over the screens of German private TV station Sat 1 for four entire evenings during April, blocking out all other advertisers.

Danone is said to be looking to strengthen its presence in the European baby foods market outside France. Products will be grouped under existing strong brands, such as Bledina in Belgium and Liga in the Netherlands.

Colgate has launched a new toothpaste, Colgate Sensation, in Germany. The product contains bicarbonate of soda and is positioned as offering both protective and cosmetic benefits. TV advertising will provide support from April.

Carrefour has unveiled a suppliers’ charter designed to strengthen its working relationship with small to medium-sized French companies. The charter is called ‘Partenaires pour Gagner’.

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