IPG breaks Dentsu's Coke Japan AOR

TOKYO - In a major move that breaks Dentsu's Coca-Cola agency-of-record in Japan, McCann Erickson's media operation Universal McCann has been awarded the media planning and buying business for Fanta and Sprite.

The agency won the assignment following a competitive pitch for planning and development of the two brands’ 2008 marketing activities. The appointment is effective January 2008.

Universal will provide comprehensive IMC services - from media planning to buying for all advertising and marketing activities - for both Fanta and Sprint.

According to a source: “McCann takes a more integrated approach because of the nature of the market in Japan so Universal is very much a part of the agency…The ending of Dentsu’s Coke AOR is huge, particularly given the significant media buying operation of Dentsu in this market.”

Creative development was not included in the assignment.