JWT pulls out of S-Fone pitch

HO CHI MINH CITY - JWT has pulled out of the advertising pitch for Vietnamese telco S-Fone, an account it handles, citing conflict with global client Nokia as the reason for its withdrawal.

The move leaves Leo Burnett, Ogilvy & Mather and DDB in the running for the business.

The S-Fone account has been marred by rumours of unpaid fees by the client in the past, with some agencies suggesting they may walk away from the business, even if they win it.

S-Fone has pitched the account every year in recent years, and the business has always been retained by JWT. The previous incumbent was Saatchi & Saatchi.