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It is being run from Randstad’s head office in Amsterdam in a process being brokered by consultancy 3MO.

More than six agencies are believed to have received requests for information for media planning and buying activity in the group’s biggest markets, including The Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain and the UK.

The review is being run by Frans Cornelis, managing director of marketing and communications.

The bulk of the group’s business in The Netherlands is handled by Kobalt, while WPP’s Mindshare handles parts of the business in France, Poland and Belgium.

Both incumbents are believed to be involved in the pitch, but neither would comment. TCS has handled part of its UK media in the past.

A Randstad spokesman said: "I can confirm we are having an orientation phase for a new media agency. The move follows our large takeover of Vedior 18 months ago, which saw us acquire Select and Joslin Rowe among others in the UK."

The European media review is also set to be extended to include Randstad’s global media requirements.

In the UK, group operations include more than 30 companies, ranging from Abraxas and Albemarle to Parkhouse Recruitment, Select and Randstad Care. Media spend has been handled by TCS Media in the past.

The review comes ahead of a renewed marketing push for the group’s activities as it continues to rebrand Vedior companies to Randstad in Europe.

The group generated revenue of €17.2 billion in 2008 and is listed on the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam exchange.