Hong Kong 4As billings in China rose a marginal 2.8 per cent to
HK$5.923 billion last year, compared with 1998.
Saatchi & Saatchi Great Wall was the biggest Hong Kong 4As agency in the
country, with billings of HK$1.060 billion, up 2.1 per cent from
1998.
The agency network held on to its No.1 spot at the top of the charts as
a result.
Ogilvy & Mather China held onto second spot, despite the fact that its
billings of HK$848 million were virtually unchanged from the
previous year.
However, it was J. Walter Thompson which stole the limelight, soaring
almost 27 per cent to HK$733 million.
Because of its sparkling performance, the agency jumped from fifth to
third place in the rankings.
Industry analysts said JWT benefited from Pepsi sharply increasing its
adspend as it tried to grab a greater share of the fizzy drinks market
in China.
DDB China also saw significant growth last year, with billings rising
23.8 per cent to HK$255.48 million, compared with HK$206.43 million in 1998.
BBDO/CNUAC held on to the eleventh spot in the rankings, despite a drop
of 22.7 per cent in its billings (down to HK$115.8 million in
1999 compared with the previous year).
It should be noted that the rankings are not comprehensive, however, as
not all members of the HK4As chose to submit their billings reports.
