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After-shocks for WPP: Ford to open up bids for some parts of the business

The review does not include accounts held by WPP in China, public affairs, US dealerships or at WPP’s Hudson Rouge agency that handles Ford’s luxury Lincoln brand.

In what could be a big blow to the WPP Group which has been in the news mainly for CEO Martin Sorrell’s shock exit, Ford Motor Co has announced that it will take bids on some of its accounts managed by the holding company.

The announcement is not a total surprise since it comes as part of the strategy review from Ford that began in November when it had warned WPP that it was ‘considering’ its ad model.

Ford’s decision means that agencies other than WPP will be able to pitch for the portions of the auto maker’s marketing business that are up for review. WPP had created a dedicated agency group - GTB - just for Ford.

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