T. Rowe Price Shifts to JWT

T. Rowe Price is shifting its $35 million account to WPP's J. Walter Thompson, the client confirmed. The move was prompted by WPP's August acquisition of CCG, parent of the mutual-fund company's former agency, Bates. JWT client Merrill Lynch has not objected to the shop's taking on Price, sources said. Merrill Lynch did not return calls. The New York agency is also inheriting other Bates accounts, notably $260 million in Pfizer business.