HOTLINE.(Interpublic Group of Companies Inc.)(Brief Article)

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The Interpublic Group of Companies has reported worldwide revenues of $1,601 million for the fourth quarter of 2000, an increase of 6 per cent from 1999. However, advertising revenues for the quarter dropped to $829.9 million from $841.9 million the previous year, reflecting account losses at Lowe Lintas. Worldwide revenues grew 13 per cent to $5,626 for the year as a whole.

Spirit Group has won the pan-European Texaco lubricants account from HHCL & Partners. The agency will develop a campaign to support the relaunch of Texaco's Havoline oil, which will see a substantial increase in its marketing budget from this summer. Carat has won the media.

Siemens is talking to agencies about a campaign to establish an identity for its range of washing machines and dishwashers, backed by a budget of up to 3 million [pounds sterling]. Executives want a clear positioning for the brand alongside the Siemens-owned Bosch.

The Post Office is believed to have drawn up a list of agencies to pitch for its through-the-line account. Saatchi & Saatchi, CDP, Leo Burnett, Publicis and Bartle Bogle Hegarty are thought to be pitching for the above-the-line work, while Parenthesis, Yellow Submarine, Brann, Joshua and Team Lgm are all battling for the below-the-line task.

Duffy Design, the design agency which operates out of Fallon, has poached Tim Watson from Attik to be its managing director. Watson, who joins from his position as managing director, has been at Attik for six years following a four-year career at Wickes Building Supplies.

Starcom MediaVest Group has moved Gary Brown, the chief executive of Starcom in Asia, into the newly created role of chief operating officer for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Brown, who ...