M&C plans integrated marketing operation
M&C Saatchi is planning to set up an integrated marketing operation, which could carry M&C branding.
A senior source at the agency says: “We’re looking at the opportunities in integrated and direct marketing.”
He adds: “We are also looking at whether it makes sense to have ownership of the company or a joint venture arrangement and we’re talking to various parties. We are looking at whether this should be branded with M&C Saatchi or something else.”
The agency has links with other companies through the M&C Saatchi Village, a web of marketing and design businesses. These include integrated agencies BLP, Craik Jones, and Claydon Heeley International. The last two are owned by Omnicom. It is unclear how these relationships would be affected when the new division is set up.
The source says the continuation of the existing relationship would “depend on what sort of company we set up”.
He says the agency, which handles advertising for companies including British Airways, Gallaher, Mars, Dixons and Scottish Courage, is being asked by clients for a more integrated approach and more below-the-line activity.
Last week, BMP and Claydon Heeley announced they were to form a new standalone direct marketing agency, called Jones Mason Barton Antenen (MW January 14).
