Holland & Barrett draws up agency shortlist

Holland & Barrett, the biggest health food retailer in the country, is looking for an agency for its 750,000 advertising account.

H&B says it is talking to agencies, but any decision is likely to be delayed until its takeover has been completed.

H&B is owned by Lloyds Chem-ists, which was taken over by German-owned Gehe earlier this year. Gehe has said it intends to sell H&B, along with Lloyds Chemists businesses Martindales Pharmaceuticals and National Veterinary Supplies.

A shortlist has been put together, which includes incumbent Birmingham agency Reeves Green Partners, Yellow M and two London agencies.

In the past H&B has advertised in national consumer press and magazines as well as posters.

H&B is currently embroiled in a legal battle with Solgar Vitamins, which has accused the health food retailer of copying its products. H&B introduced a range of vitamins with gold labelling similar to the Solgar branding.