Argos holds pounds 20m creative shoot-out.(Brief Article)

Ogilvy & Mather is on alert following news that Argos has put its pounds 20 million creative account into play.

Leo Burnett and Euro RSCG Wnek Gosper have both been invited to pitch for the brief to launch the retailer's next catalogue in a move that spells the end of an exclusive 13-year relationship between O&M and the high-street retailer.

O&M pitched for the brief on Tuesday, with both Euro RSCG and Burnett pitching the following day. A prompt decision is expected to follow.

Although the pitching brief is for the next catalogue, sources close to the pitch fully expect it to broaden to incorporate a significant slice of the business, if not the whole account. 'There's definitely a bigger picture there,' one source said.

The loss of the business would be a massive blow to O&M; the account is said to be worth more than pounds 1 million in income.

The pitch is being overseen by Argos' new head of brand marketing, Helen Page. Page moved to the company earlier this month from her position as Abbey National's head of national communications. She oversaw the reappointment of Euro RSCG to the pounds 14 million Abbey National ...