B-M regional CEO Bill Rylance confirmed that his agency no longer handles the Asian business, but declined to comment on the separate reviews in China and Japan. B-M is one of Visa's key global PR agencies, and is also the incumbent in China.
"We value the Visa relationship internationally and would always be ready and willing to assist in the region, given the opportunity," said Rylance.
It is believed four agencies are vying for the China account, including Edelman, Apco Asia and B-M. In Japan, three agencies are expected to submit RFPs, including US incumbent Fleishman-Hillard. The status of the regional account remains unclear.
A Visa spokesperson declined to comment on the company's agency arrangements.
