- Steve McClellan

NEW YORK Interpublic Group's Universal McCann has renewed its contract with Sony to provide media planning and buying services in North America for another three years, the agency and client confirmed today.

Sony is one of UM's biggest pieces of business, spending $875 million in measured media in 2007, according to Nielsen Monitor-Plus.

Under the agreement, UM services Sony units including Sony of America, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Sony Electronics, Sony of Canada, GSN and Sony BMG Music Entertainment. 

The account is co-managed by two UM executives: Lynn Pinkus Lewis, who is based in New York and oversees chores on Sony's electronics businesses, and Karen Hunt, who is based in Los Angeles and runs the entertainment units.
 
Commenting on the new deal, client CMO Andrew House said in a statement: "Our partnership has resulted in more streamlined and impactful communications across our business units, as well as substantial cost savings for Sony. I look forward to continued success over the next few years."

UM initially won the account in a consolidation review in 2002.

"We're thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with Sony ... as we seek to deliver marketing innovation through media excellence," said Nick Brien, worldwide CEO of UM.