The consolidated account went up for review in July, taking the business out of the current roster of agencies, which include Carat, Starcom and MediaCom, with i-level handling all digital media planning and buying.
Originally it was thought i-level would loose the business because it was unable to pitch for the entire account, however, the alliance means it could still retain the digital business if Starcom is appointed to the £211m account.
Starcom MediaVest Group currently handles the buying of radio advertising for COI. i-level handles digital buying and planning across the COI's £40m online ad spend. It is the agency's biggest account.
Aegis-owned Carat currently handles the COI's media buying for TV and cinema and WPP-owned MediaCom handles press. Starcom has previously held the TV and press accounts.
.jpg)
.jpg)