Nokia splits global pitch into two

The development means that of the six agencies initially invited, only BBH failed to make the cut. Those shortlisted are due to submit staffing plans and cost structures to Nokia next week, while an additional round for the strategy and creative brief is also expected. While a number of sources have tipped Wieden & Kennedy to take the strategy/creative brief, the network distribution brief remains relatively open, even if Asian incumbent BatesAsia can count on solid Nokia relationships in China and India.

It is unclear how Nokia expects the strategy/creative agency to coexist with the network distrbution one — if the selected agencies are different. “I don’t think it necessarily implies that the agency sel-ected for network distribu- tion will not play an important strategic role,” said an agency source involved in the pitch. “(Nokia is) going to need insights coming from all over the world.”

A final decision is expected by mid-July.

Nokia’s Q1 results for 2007 showed healthy volume growth, but lower margins. A significant proportion of the mobile giant’s growth came from emerging markets, led by China and India.