Hotline

Ikea Goes to 3 for Final Round

BOSTON—Ikea last week named Berlin Cameron/Red Cell, New York, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Miami, and Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco, as finalists in the review for its $30-40 million ad account. Incumbent Carmichael Lynch of Minneapolis, which held the account for less than a year, is not defending. Pile and Co., Boston, is overseeing the search, which is expected to wrap up in the next few weeks.

Mullen, Publicis & Hal Riney Battle for Bank Account

BOSTON—Following the merger of Wachovia Bank and First Union, lead agencies Mullen/LHC (Wachovia) and Publicis & Hal Riney (First Union) are battling for the advertising account of the combined financial institution. A representative for Wachovia, based in Charlotte, N.C., said the review, which is being conducted in-house, came out of a desire to consolidate advertising with one agency. Winston-Salem, N.C.-based Mullen/LHC, working with its headquarters in Wenham, Mass., and San Francisco-based Publicis & Hal Riney are slated to make presentations in late February. A decision is expected by mid-March. The estimated value of the account is $60-75 million. Wachovia Bank spent about $20 million in the first 10 months of 2001; First Union spent about $42 million in that period, per CMR.

Trigon Selects Adworks

ATLANTA—Trigon Blue Cross and Blue Shield has awarded its advertising account to Adworks. The Washington, D.C., shop defeated co-finalists Trone Advertising of Greensboro, N.C., and Gillespie, Princeton, N.J., in a review to win the estimated $2-3 million business. Incumbent Arnold in McLean, Va., did not mount a defense. Adworks is expected to launch a Virginia-based print and TV campaign this spring.

DaimlerChrysler Pulls Jeep Spot After Protests

DETROIT—A Jeep spot reviewed in this week’s Critique (page 26) was pulled by DaimlerChrysler because of complaints that it reflected negatively on hunters. The ad ran only a few times on Jan. 6. Jennifer Rossbach, a representative for DaimlerChrysler agency PentaMark in Troy, Mich., acknowledged only on Friday that the spot had been pulled. Chrysler Group representative James Kenyon said the automaker made a joint decision with the shop to pull the spot, which he said Chrysler intended as “pro-Jeep,” not anti-hunting. The ad shows a Grand Cherokee with two deer tied to its top; the Jeep drives past a “No hunting” sign and then stops. The driver gets out and releases the deer, telling them they are now safe.

‘N Sync Sings for Chili’s

DALLAS—Chili’s Grill & Bar launches a campaign on Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards with one of three new spots featuring vocal group ‘N Sync. The band performs the restaurant chain’s “Baby Back Ribs” jingle in all three ads by Chili’s agency, Austin, Texas-based GSD&M. The spots kick off a cross-marketing pact be tween ‘N Sync and Dallas-based Chili’s, with Chili’s serving as the major sponsor of the group’s next tour.