Welcome to The Drum's Business on the Move column, where we collate agency account news, reviews, agency launches, rebrands and acquisitions.
Global accounts
Heineken has awarded the global advertising business for Sol to J Walter Thompson Amsterdam. The agency will develop assets for the Sol brand internationally.
EMEA accounts
Publicis London, Digitas and Starcom have been appointed by P&O Ferries to handle the brand's joint creative and media accounts in Europe. Digitas has been tasked with developing the company's user experience, while Starcom, having successfully defended the account in the media pitch, will begin work on the brief immediately.
Conservation group the WWF has awarded Vizeum its media planning and buying accounts after a three-month, five-way pitch overseen by Ebiquity. On top of the partnership, Vizeum employees have been offered an additional two days to work on WWF projects.
Drinks brand Fentimans has appointed UM as its media planning and buying agency. The agency was selected after an uncontested pitch, and will support the brand as it seeks to capitalise on the growing premium soft drinks market.
Spanish coffee brand Cafes Novell has selected Fantastic Media as its digital marketing partner. The premium coffee brand has tasked the Leeds agency with supporting its launch into the UK market.
The Hospital Group, the largest provider of cosmetic surgery in the UK, has appointed Branded3 to work on its search and media accounts, following a five-way competitive pitch.
First Bus Scotland has named MadeBrave its sole creative partner. The agency will take responsibility for all advertising, brand and marketing activities for the public transport provider.
Luxury accessories brand Firehorse has appointed Avant PR to handle press and publicity ahead of its launch. The scarves specialist is scheduled to launch later this month.
Americas Accounts
Bright Health has announced the appointment of Figliulo&Partners (F&P) as its creative agency-of-record after a competitive review. F&P will oversee the brand’s creative work across all channels, as well as media planning, buying and analytics.
Independent engagement agency Drumroll has been named agency of record for Perspectv Distilling Company. The Austin-based agency will focus on digital and out of home (OOH) for the firm's Real Good Vodka brand.
Launches
Ad sales house Venatus has announced its expansion into Asia Pacific, with the opening of a new office in Seoul. The move is designed to position Venatus at the forefront of the gaming market.
The founders of The Operators Creative, Scott Freeman and Ben Le Tourneau, have launched Freeman & Le Tourneau, an independent creative support consultancy. The director and photographer duo have said the business will provide expertise and technical knowledge to agencies.
Acquisitions
IPG has announced the acquisition of Acxiom Corporation. The deal has been valued at $2bn.
Media firm Uzabase has bought business news portal Quartzfor $100m. The move has been reported as the first stage in the Japanese company's US expansion plans.
Have you got an account win we should know about? Send your acquisitions, reviews, account wins and launch news to sam.bradley@thedrum.com