Audi Audition Is On -- Lord, Dentsu Has Eye on Account

Lord, Dentsu & Partners is hoping to chase the $30-million Audi of America account with all the gusto that won it the ill-fated Amati division business of Mazda last year, and without hindrance from its connection to half-owner Young & Rubicam, which handles Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury business.
‘We have to be asked first, but yes, I think Audi would be a good fit for us given the team we put together to handle Amati,’ said LD&P chairman Dick Lord last week.
But Lord said it would be premature to talk about what effect the agency’s connection to Y&R might play in its chances.
The agency is known to be in discussions with its two half-owners, Y&R and Dentsu, which could result in a change of ownership, possibly with LD&P management buying out Y&R’s stake.