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DDB Resigns as Wilson Talks to OthersCHICAGO—Wilson Sporting Goods Co. is contacting six Chicago shops about its $5-10 million business, according to Jeff Harmet, global business director for golf. Five-year incumbent DDB was invited to the review but resigned the account. "It was not in our best interest to proceed," said Bob Klein, DDB's senior vice president. Klein said Wilson's decision to search for an agency took his shop by surprise, noting that DDB has won several Effie awards for its work on Wilson. "We just thought it was time to take a look at a different approach," Harmet said. A cut to three shops is expected in a month. KPC Agrees on Long Island AcquisitionCHICAGO—Kupper Parker Communications will acquire Christopher Thomas Associates on Long Island under a letter of intent signed by both agencies. Thomas, which has offices in Melville, N.Y., Boston, and Stamford, Conn., claims billings of $45 million and clients including Fallon Healthcare and Weetabix cereal. KPC in St. Louis last year went public with its acquisition of Long Island shop Greenstone/Roberts, now KPC-Greenstone/Roberts.DDB, Burrell McD's Spots to Feature BryantCHICAGO—Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant will push McDonald's Big N'Tasty sandwich as part of a marketing agreement between the player and the nation's largest fast-food chain. Bryant introduced the sandwich last week at a restaurant in Washington, D.C. TV spots featuring Bryant from McDonald's agencies DDB, Chicago, and Burrell Communications break March 2. Tatham Provides Ads for Walgreen's Web PushCHICAGO—Walgreen's supports its Web site in a TV campaign from Euro RSCG Tatham that broke last week. The four 30-second spots emphasize convenience and efficiency. Rust-Oleum Moves to BozellCHICAGO—Bozell, Chicago, picked up Rust-Oleum's estimated $5 million account following a review. The Vernon Hills, Ill.-based business was formerly at Cramer-Krasselt, Chicago. Fiserv Deposits Account at BBDOCHICAGO—Financial data processor Fiserv awarded its $3-5 million business-to-business account to BBDO, Minneapolis, after a review. Through advertising, direct marketing and trade show communications, the shop will look to reposition the Brookfield, Wis., company for the new e-business economy, agency officials said. BBDO bested three other agencies, including 10-year incumbent Cramer-Krasselt in Milwaukee, for the account, officials said. Layoffs Hit Several ShopsCHICAGO—Several local shops have laid off workers. Euro RSCG Tatham here laid off 20 employees from its staff of about 260 following the loss of its $20-30 million Bayer business. The layoffs were across the board at the shop. At DDB, 15 employees were let go across all disciplines from the staff of 850, a representative said. Young & Rubicam laid off nine of its 160 employees, a representative said.

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