According to sources close to the brand, the account’s shortlist includes Carat, Universal McCann, ZenithOptimedia and a team from OMG. There has been no word on whether MPG, which participated in Nokia’s initial pitch, will also be making presentations to the company.
Sources add that regional presentations will be made to Nokia in key markets China, India and Indonesia, and a final result is expected in mid-May.
The presentations come after news surfaced that Nokia’s incumbent media agency, MediaCom, had decided not to participate in the review, estimated to be worth US$415 million.
A senior WPP source said the decision came after the agency concluded that the fees were insufficient, adding: “We would be running a real loss on the business, and participating in the pitch would have no upside for us.”
