MediaVision Manchester keeps NAB

MediaVision Manchester has reinforced its hold on the &£4m media planning and buying business for financial services company National Australia Bank (NAB) group following a competitive pitch.

The agency, part of the Starcom group, triumphed over BJK&E and Leeds-based Brilliant for the account, which encompasses NAB’s Yorkshire Bank and Clydesdale Bank brands.

MediaVision has held the account for nine years. NAB’s advertising is created in house.

The two banking brands have been linked this month with Banco Santander Central Hispano, which acquired Abbey in 2004. The Spanish banking giant is said to be looking at acquiring the Clydesdale and Yorkshire brands to boost its corporate banking business in the UK.

However, last week NAB insisted it had “plenty of opportunities” for expansion in the UK despite speculation to the contrary. Latest results confirm the two bank brands account for about 15% of the Australian group’s global profits.

It acquired Clydesdale Bank – based predominantly in Scotland – in 1987, and added Yorkshire Bank to its portfolio in 1990. The two banks have often been mooted for merger; although sources say this is unlikely, NAB is aligning its products and services under the two more closely. A spokeswoman confirmed MediaVision had been retained following a pitch.