CIA posts 226m new global business claim

Media independent CIA Group is claiming to have won 226m in potential new business worldwide, during the first six months of 1995.

It is a 440 per cent increase on new business won during the same period last year, which was worth 42m. Major additions include Italian food company Barilla’s 70m account and pan-European business for Calvin Klein and DHL.

The new business wins contrast with a 27 per cent fall in half-year profits to 1.68m caused by clients delaying their spend to the latter half of the year, claims the company. Turnover was up by 14 per cent to 242m.

Income from investments was down 53 per cent to 320,000 at a time when interest rates have been rising.

CIA chairman Chris Ingram says the second half of the year’s profits will be more satisfactory.

He says the company plans to complete its network across Europe. Media buyers in Scandinavia, Portugal and Greece are believed to be targets for acquisition.

Further investment in its joint venture operation in Hong Kong, which is run with former Guinness global media co-ordinator Pam Dunn, is expected next year.

Markets which were weak for the group include France and Belgium.

Recommended

Hunt begins for Saatchi number two

Marketing Week

Saatchi & Saatchi is searching for a long-term successor to chairman and chief executive Ed Wax. Wax is contracted until the end of 1997 but wants to appoint a number two – the role previously held by Bill Muirhead.

Coke first to trademark its shape

Marketing Week

NEWS The Coca-Cola bottle will become the first shape to win trademark registration later this week. It will be followed in the coming months by a flood of other product shapes, smells, sounds and colours seeking commercial protection under th