-Hey, look, we were on to something with the LBi/MRY tips! Ten days ago, we posted this: “Anyways, back to LBi. Judging from today’s news, it appears tipsters were on to something regarding a merger, though it appears they were alluding to something albeit on a more local (NY) level. As recently as last Friday, we were getting tips like this: ‘Announcement is coming Feb 28th at Marquee NYC of the new agency rebrand. Unfortunately [there] is no rebrand. LBi NY is assuming the name of Mr Youth and LBi NY as you know it won’t exist anymore. CEO will be MRY’s Matt Britton and CCO will be Cedric Devitt, who will also see the other American offices. Judith Carr will be the office’s president. And since Razorfish and Digitas fall under Publicis like the new Mr Youth does, rumor has it that the new Mr Youth will be partnering with Digitas on future business.'” Anyhow, now AdAge has the “scoop” and clarification on the rather muddled matter.
-Talk about ballsy/awesome. VFX artist/designer Frank Jonen called out client Fitness SF, which allegedly stiffed him on payment, via a takeover of the latter’s own website. link
-RPA extends its “Honda Loves You Back” campaign for Valentine’s Day by teaming up with Honda Associates to respond in real-time to fans with a personalized valentine via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-The AICP has launched its campaign film for the 2013 AICP Show (above), which features industry notables like Susan Credle, David Lubars and Tor Myhren revealing their reactions to a “booyah!” moment (here’s to you, ESPN’s Stuart Scott). You can also check out the AICP Next Awards film here.
-Former agency art director-turned-clothing designer Andrew “Atslopes” Thompson has paid tribute to Beyonce and Jay-Z on Valentine’s Day via new t-shirt/sweatshirt gear. link
-Publicis Groupe posted its 2012 results, which include 13.7 percent and 22.8 percent growth in revenue and net income, respectively. link
-Jeff Freedman, founder of Boston-based agency Small Army, offers some quick “relationship advice” on V-Day for clients, colleagues and marketers. link
-Contextual tech firm Vibrant Media welcomed former Undertone and Weather Channel exec James Coraci as VP of sales, Detroit.
-Culver City, CA-based agency Threshold Interactive claims to have orchestrated “the first brand represented rip of the now infamous Harlem Shake,” starring Herbie Hot Pocket. link; link