Inmarsat hires Publicis and Maher after global advertising shake-up

Mobile communications company Inmarsat has appointed Publicis and Maher Bird Associates (MBA) to its worldwide account as part of an advertising overhaul.

The company, which has used Publicis since 1996, has decided to create a roster of agencies to take on seven worldwide advertising projects next year. The review was handled through the AAR.

A third agency will be added next year, although no precise timescale has been set.

Inmarsat does not disclose its worldwide spend, but its European spend is about &£7m.

UK-based Inmarsat provides video conferencing, e-mail and Internet access through mobile ISDN facilities. It was recently accused of counting Osama Bin Laden as a customer.

The company has refused to confirm or deny reports that it once – without being aware of its customer’s identity – provided satellite broadband technology to the al-Qaida chief. The account was allegedly ended by Inmarsat last year.

Next year’s advertising work will be divided by target market. Publicis will work on the maritime sector, MBA on governments and media agencies and the third agency on aeronautics.

The company wants to sell more of its products to small businesses and travellers as well as its corporate users. It was planning to float on the London Stock Exchange this year, but has delayed its plans because of the economic slowdown.