Rocket wins Mates condoms European media work

by Jennifer Whitehead,, Brand Republic 15-Jan-03, 11:00

LONDON - Mates, the number two condom brand in the UK market, has hired Rocket for its European media planning and buying work, as it prepares a new marketing assault in April.

Rocket takes over from MediaCom, which won the account in May 2001 from BBJ Media Services. The news follows the October appointment of BBDO's integrated specialist, AMV Advance, to handle the creative after a pitch against two undisclosed agencies. Grey's Joshua was previously the retained creative agency.

However, Ansell Healthcare, which owns the Mates condom brand, has not run any substantial advertising for some time. The most recent was in 2001, when it used footage of animals mating in a cinema ad using the strapline: "Sex with Mates is fun."

That campaign was part of an integrated campaign including postcards in cinemas, bars, cafes and universities and welcome packs.

Mates trails behind the Durex condom brand in the UK. Other players in the market include FCUK, which has launched its own range, and Condomi.

Rocket is part of the PHD Group, the media group owned by Omnicom.

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