Brown & Co. Narrows Search to 5

BOSTON — Brown & Co. has named five finalists in the review for its $7-10 million ad account, according to client vp, marketing manager Laurie McLachlan.

In the running are TBWA\Chiat\Day, Gotham, and Foote, Cone & Belding, all in New York; Via of Portland, Maine and incumbent Gearon Hoffman, Boston, McLachlan said. Partners & Simons, Boston, and DiMassimo Brand Advertising and The Romann Group, both New York, have not advanced.

The five remaining shops have been given a creative assignment with a decision due by the end of the month, McLachlan said. Discount brokerage Brown & Co.is a unit of J.P. Morgan Chase, which works with FCB.

Brown & Co. has been with Gearon Hoffman for nearly 20 years.