Whitehall Laboratories has shifted the pounds 3m account for its
painkiller brand Anadin out of Grey Advertising into Publicis, citing
’potential conflicts’ with Grey’s long-standing portfolio of SmithKline
Beecham Healthcare accounts.
Neither client nor agency would comment on the nature of the conflict
but SKB is believed to be considering expanding its range of
over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and the move renewed speculation that
it is preparing an Anadin-branded anti-flu medicine to compete with the
Beecham Cold & Flu range.
The Anadin win adds to the Publicis stable of Whitehall Laboratories
brands, which includes work for Bisodol and Centrum.
Whitehall’s total adspend last year was around pounds 6.7m. The handover
is expected to be completed by December.
’Due to potential conflict with SmithKline Beecham, we have reviewed our
options and decided to consolidate our business into Publicis. But we
thank Grey for the good work they have done for us,’ said Whitehall
Laboratories managing director David Beauchamp in a statement.
Grey’s work for SKB covers brands including Beechams Cold & Flu,
Aquafresh, Macleans, Horlicks and Ribena drinks.
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