Contenders Emerge in Nasdaq Review

Seven contenders have emerged in the contest for the estimated $30 million Nasdaq account, a client representative confirmed Wednesday. The list includes: Arnold, Boston; The Richards Group, Dallas; McKinney & Silver, Raleigh, N.C.; and New York shops Grey, J. Walter Thompson, and Young & Rubicam. Incumbent Messner Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer/Euro RSCG, which has handled the account since 1989, is defending, the client said. The account covers both creative and media duties.

With the exception of privately-owned The Richards Group, all of the agencies involved belong to holding companies listed on the Nasdaq — WPP Group, Grey Global Group and Havas Advertising.