McCann set to gain 80m Sony Ericsson account

Sony Ericsson is understood to be close to handing McCann Erickson its £80m advertising business. The decision comes after months of speculation that the mobile handset manufacturer is planning to review the account.

Sony Ericsson previously worked with McCann on a Christmas campaign, which it won during the original pitch process in September 2006. McCann is thought to have stayed in contact with the Sony Ericsson management team.

Saatchi is believed to be meeting with Sony Ericsson this week in a bid to save the account.

In the past Sony Ericsson has denied that it was planning to review its advertising business and, instead, claimed that it was meeting with pitch consultants about the appointment of a sports marketing agency.