Helene Curtis Washes Out Saatchi: Global Conflicts With Procter & Gamble Assignments End 10-Year Relationship, Bring $80-Million Review

CHICAGO – Saatchi & Saatchi Advertising/N.Y., having gotten caught in an international client crossfire between mighty Procter & Gamble and global -minded Helene Curtis, is ending its 10-year relationship with Helene Curtis, putting an $80 million account in play.
The decision does not affect the Suave assignment, which remains at Bayer Bess Vanderwarker/Chicago. Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago also continues as agency for Helene Curtis’ professional products. However, the company’s expected desire to replace Saatchi with another global agency makes it unlikely those two agencies will get a shot at the business cut loose.
Helene Curtis on Friday said it is looking to hire a new agency to handle many of its consumer brands and that it already has narrowed the search to a few ‘creative powerhouses’ with which the company has relationships.