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CCG Stock Jumps 11 Percent on Bid RumorNEW YORK—Shares in Cordiant Communications Group rose 11 percent to $2.50 on the New York Stock Exchange Friday, following London press reports that veteran creative Alan Page was putting together a bid for the British holding company. Page is said to be assembling a consortium to make an offer that will focus on CCG's Bates. "Alan Page has yet to pick up the phone to Cordiant," a CCG representative said. "There has been no contact whatsoever, and perhaps it's time he clarify his position."It's Official: Steele Joins McCann-EricksonNEW YORK—Gary Steele, evp, managing director of the retail account division at CCG's Bates', has been tapped to lead the $240 million Wendy's account as evp, WorldGroup director at Interpublic Group's McCann-Erickson in New York, as expected. He reports to general manager and COO Eric Keshin and will also head North American retail initiatives. Nina DiSesa, chief creative officer of McCann in New York, will head the account creatively.4 Shops Pursue Novartis DrugNEW YORK—Four shops are vying for creative duties on Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.'s Diovan drug, sources said. They are Grey Global Group's Grey, with Grey Healthcare, both in New York; IPG's Deutsch in New York, with sister shop Integrated Communications Corp. in Parsippany, N.J.; Omnicom Group's Merkley Newman Harty & Partners, with MNH Healthworks, both in New York; and Havas' Arnold in Boston, with Lally McFarland & Pantello Euro RSCG, said sources. Sources said billings could reach $80 million. Client and shop officials declined comment or could not be reached.Deutsch Bows Mitsubishi Outlander CampaignLOS ANGELES—Deutsch/LA today breaks TV spots for Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America's new Outlander SUV. The Marina del Rey, Calif., shop's "Wake up and drive" campaign features ads that follow a man as he drives the car with his buddies, a date, his bride, his pregnant wife and a daughter. Spots end with the question, "Are you in?" Scaglione Pleads Guilty in Printing-Industry CaseNEW YORK—Lawrence Scaglione, a former purchasing agent for WPP Group's Brouillard Communications, pleaded guilty last week to 18 charges of conspiracy, commercial bribery, mail fraud, witness tampering and tax evasion in connection with a federal investigation of the graphics-supply industry, according to the office of James B. Comey, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The charges stem from investigations by both Comey's office and the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust division into the printing business. Talks Fizzle Between IPG and DiNoto LeeNEW YORK—IPG is no longer talking to New York boutique DiNoto Lee about a possible deal, said sources. The talks, which began in September, broke off several weeks ago. IPG now appears to be pursuing a different strategy for handling key client Coca-Cola. IPG is setting up a committee of Coke roster-shop executives to troubleshoot on brand issues [Adweek, Oct. 7]. On Friday, cd Greg DiNoto said, "There are no immediate plans to sell an interest in the agency." IPG declined comment.

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