Omnicom strengthens hold on global HP business

NEW YORK - Omnicom Group has tightened its grip on the HP account with Goodby Silverstein & Partners named as the lead agency for developing the technology company's global online advertising.

Goodby Silverstein & Partners already handles HP's corporate advertising, launching a $400m (£250m) global advertising campaign for the company in November last year, following its merger with Compaq.

HP has also named Modem Media and FCBi, part of the Interpublic Group of Companies to its interactive roster. Foote Cone & Belding was formerly Compaq's advertising agency of record, prior to the merger with HP.

Publicis Groupe, which held the corporate account for Hewlett Packard between 2000 and 2002, will now have a limited role, working for HP's personal systems group.

Gary Elliott, vice-president of brand and marketing communications, said: "The selection of these agencies is integral to strengthening the impact of HP's innovative and creative advertising presence online and also enhances our ability to speak with one voice worldwide."

The last ad campaign centred around the idea that "Everything is possible", and had a major online component. HP took over Yahoo!'s premier placement for the week of the launch.

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