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Bayless Considers Deal With Merkley ATLANTA--Tim Bayless, founder of Bayless & Partners here, said last week he was talking to three different shops about a merger or acquisition to expand his agency. In responding to a specific rumor, the only agency he would identify is Merkley Newman Harty here. Bayless added that he was nowhere near a final agreement with another operation. Rick Rabe, Merkley's managing director and creative director in Atlanta, said he is also looking into growth opportunities but declined to comment further. Sources in the local ad community said last week Merkley was in negotiations to acquire Bayless, and separately was trying to recruit former BBDO South senior manager Jerry Brown--who now heads Brown & Martin Consulting here--to help lead the agency. GT Bicycles Picks Crispin Porter & Bogusky ATLANTA--Crispin Porter & Bogusky in Miami has been named agency for GT Bicycles. Billings are about $1 million. The client, based in Santa Barbara, Calif., was recently acquired by Questor Corp., which also owns Schwinn Cycling & Fitness. GT is the agency's third cycling-related client. It also works with Shimano, which makes bicycle parts, and Giro helmets. Turner Goes to School With Primrose ATLANTA--Primrose Schools has awarded its advertising and marketing account to Turner Fernandez Turner in Atlanta. Billings are estimated in excess of $500,000. The client offers educational child care facilities at more than 70 locations in seven states. Glaxo Places OTC Business at McCann NEW YORK--McCann-Erickson Worldwide has been assigned the $68 million OTC ad account of Glaxo Wellcome, Research Triangle Park, N.C., for the following brands: Beconase, Zantac and Zovirax in Western Europe and Australia. McCann's London office prevailed in a three-month review over Leo Burnett and Scholz & Friends, both London. Dockers Campaign Put on Hold Again SAN FRANCISCO--Foote, Cone & Belding's anticipated national TV campaign for Levi's Dockers has been delayed for several months. Originally set to break last fall [Adweek, July 20], the work has been pushed forward to March or later, according to an agency representative, who declined to provide a reason. FCB's most recent ads were pulled off the air last summer. Accounts Roundup Cooper Tire & Rubber in Findlay, Ohio, is reviewing its estimated $5-6 account, now with Lois/EJL in Chicago. The company said it has sent requests for proposals to an undisclosed list of agencies. . . Meat packer IBP Inc. of Dakota City, Neb., is seeking an agency to develop a retail branding program. . . Six to eight shops have received requests for proposals from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

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