Interpublic folds Rivet into Lowe ahead of Nokia review

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 08-Oct-08, 09:05

LONDON - Interpublic Group is folding Draft FCB conflict shop Rivet into Lowe London to strengthen its hold on Nokia, which is reviewing its global sponsorship and trade marketing accounts.

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Rivet London currently handles direct and in-store marketing for Nokia, which is its biggest client. It has 15 staff led by managing Nick Jones.

Interpublic Group launched Rivet as a second agency at the beginning of last year to avoid conflict caused by the merger of its Draft and Foote Cone & Belding networks.

Nokia's review is expected to have a wider impact on the structure of its agency roster.

Draft previously handled Nokia and Procter & Gamble, while FCB handled Motorola and SC Johnson.

There has been speculation that IPG is considering merging Lowe and DraftFCB but this has been denied by the group.

IPG has already consolidated its DraftFCB, Rivet and Lowe agencies in New Zealand but is thought to be reluctant to do so in larger markets.