6m Nintendo to Leagas Delaney

Computer game manufacturer Nintendo is to hand its UK advertising account to Leagas Delaney. It is thought to be worth 6m.

The news comes after Leagas Delaney was awarded the European business in August after pitching against the German division of Young & Rubicam, BBDO and Leo Burnett. Leagas Delaney is in the process of developing a European cinema campaign, which is planned for this autumn.

Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe and Leagas Delaney pitched for the UK business in April this year. But the pitch was abandoned in July.

Nintendo has introduced a number of product innovations this year, including the Game Boy camera and printer and the colour Game Boy in November.

However, the company faces tough competition from Sony PlayStation, which has sold 2.5 million units in the UK since its launch. By comparison, Nintendo has sold about 900,000. Another rival, Sega, will also launch its Dreamcast console by Christmas next year.

THE games, a subsidiary of John Menzies, is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of Nintendo products in the UK and Ireland.