Coleman Co. Returns to Martin/Williams

CHICAGO Martin/Williams is taking a second crack at The Coleman Company, as the outdoors manufacturer has enlisted the Omnicom Group shop as lead advertising agency without a review, the shop confirmed.

"We couldn't be more pleased to be working with a great brand like Coleman," said agency CEO Steve Collins in a statement. "Under new CEO Gary Kiedaisch's leadership, Coleman has the vision to become the Nike of the outdoor business. They are taking a much more aggressive posture, and we're excited to help them reactivate and contemporize this legendary American brand."

The assignment includes account planning, creative development and media buying. The shop's first work is expected to break in January 2006

The Wichita, Kan., company called on the Minneapolis agency after the shop parted ways on L.L. Bean's $20 million account in July, according to Collins. The shop had previously worked for the company from 1995 to 1997.

Coleman's previous shop was The Falls Agency in Minneapolis. The shop will remain on the roster for in-store work, according to Collins.

Billings were not disclosed. The company spent less than $1 million on advertising last year, but $2 million from January to July 2005, according to Nielsen Monitor-Plus.