- David Gianatasio

NEW YORK Aegis Group's Carat today said it has retained the media portion of Re/Max's $50 million national ad account following a review.

Client svp, marketing Mike Reagan said in a statement: "We conducted this review as part of a regular practice to examine our current agency roster. We have always been extremely happy with Carat and after looking at a strong field of candidates, Carat further impressed us with their understanding of our business and the innovative ways they partner with us to reach the consumer."

Carat president Martin Cass said his agency's retention "sends a powerful signal that they are confident in the work we do and that we are adding value."

Carat has held the account since the company began buying national TV advertising in 1999.

In addition to Carat, the client had previously identified contenders as WPP's Mediaedge:cia and independent Horizon Media. Another shop, OrangeSoda, a search and Internet marketing specialist based in American Fork, Utah, contended for online chores.

Local media chores, handled in-house, were not part of the review.