Dennis Publishing has acquired gaming website bit-tech.net as part of a move bolster its technology portfolio. It already owns iGizmo, PC Pro, knowyourmobile.com and itpro.co.uk. Bit-tech.net, which was launched in 2001, publishes in-depth reviews, news, features and technology information, while also hosting a forum for its growing audience of computer and gaming enthusiasts. The site […]
PepsiCo is investing $1.2bn (0.7bn) in a global overhaul of its marketing strategy, which has started with the launch of a new Pepsi logo. In the UK, its Tropicana brand is also believed to be undergoing a major rebrand.
Food brand Jamie Oliver’s Cupboard Stuff is extending into dry pasta. It will be launched by Fresh Retail Ventures, which makes the Oliver’s food products, next month. The range, which is made in Verona in Italy, includes spaghetti, penne and fusilli and free-range egg lasagne, which the company claims is a first for the branded […]
Mattel has reported a slight rise in third quarter profits despite a 1% drop in sales of flagship brand, Barbie. Strong sales of Fisher Price and the American Girl brand helped to hold up profits over the period. The toy maker’s profits rose from £137.5m last year to £147.8m in the third quarter with 4% […]
Group M chief executive of Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Kelly Clark, is moving into the new position of global chief executive at WPP’s media agency network Maxus. He is expected to officially start next month. Clark, who is currently in New York discussing his new role, was previously chief executive of Mindshare UK. […]
UK consumers are the least willing to pay more for sustainable food and home products, according to a new research from TNS. It found that just 45% of UK consumers are prepared to pay more for sustainable products compared to 59% globally. Our Green World, published today (October 20), ranks UK consumers at the bottom […]
P&O Cruises has reappointed incumbent Miles Calcraft Briginshaw Duffy to handle its 7m ad account. The agency retained the business following a pitch against Red Brick Road, TBWALondon and Adam & Eve.
Procter & Gamble is testing a website that sells its products directly to consumers. The move is likely to anger the company’s traditional retailers by running in direct competition with them
Metro International, the international free daily newspaper group, does not expect to break even this year given the “uncertainty” in the global economy. The news comes as the group reports a 14% drop in third quarter total net sales to €57 million (£44 million). Per Mikel Jensen, president and chief executive, says conditions for advertising […]
Jaguar has signed England cricket star Monty Panesar as its latest brand ambassador. The deal coincides with the 60th anniversary of the XK range. The cricketer will appear in an in-store campaign for the a limited-edition XKR model and has been provided with a car to use during promotional events. Jaguar hopes the deal will […]
Cadbury has been confirmed as a tier two sponsor of the London 2012 Olympic Games. The deal, worth at least £20m, will make the company official confectionary and ice cream supplier. Cadbury can now use the London 2012 logo on its products and also has marketing rights to Team GB and Paralympic Team GB. During […]
ITV will face a series of fines if it presses ahead with its threat to hand back its public service broadcasting (PSB) licences. Michael Grade, ITV executive chairman (pictured), made the comments in a recent speech. It is understood that the broadcaster would be fined 7% of its annual net advertising revenue plus other penalties […]
The Drinkaware Trust charity is launching an ad campaign targeting excessive drinking at home. It aims to educate middle class wine drinks about recommended unit guidelines. The outdoor campaign, which launches today (October 20), will feature recycling bins and bottle banks filled with empty alcohol bottles to educate people that just two to three glasses […]
William Hill has reported a strong third quarter after seeing “little evidence” of its business being affected by the economic slowdown. The group says its total gross win (the amount accrued from losing bets) rose 9% in the 15 weeks to 14 October, leading to a 5% gain for 2008 to date. Over-the-counter business rose […]
Sony Computer Entertainment has been forced to recall its copies of its new game, Little Big Planet, over concerns it could offend the Muslim community because it contains lines from the Koran. The company has withdrawn copies of the game ahead of it going on sale following a preview. The game, created by games designer […]