Logitech Review Narrowed to 4

Logitech, a manufacturer of high-end computer mice and keyboards, has narrowed the field in its review and is expected to award its estimated $5 million account within the next two weeks.

Sources said the client, based in Fremont, Calif., is looking primarily at Northern California shops. As many as 15 agencies received RFPs; the company is now eyeing four unnamed shops, sources said.

A future ad campaign will likely promote Logitech’s cordless accessories. Wireless devices are expected to become much more commonplace in the next few years.

“What makes these guys interesting to everyone is they are the No. 1 player in the keyboard and mouse marketplace,” one source said. “Everything is becoming cordless, wireless or optical, and they probably have the hope and expectation that they will be pushing these products. They sell everything that allows you to have a really nice desktop environment, and this could end up being a real high-profile client.”

Client executives confirmed that the review is in its “finishing stages,” but refused further comment.

Sources said the four finalists will meet once more with Logitech. Shops will not present potential campaigns or creative work.

One source said there is “a real opportunity to do some strong branding. This is a really user-friendly company that wants to do more than retail.”

Logitech worked with San Francisco’s Arnold Ingalls Moranville before that shop closed earlier this year. Because of the distances involved, sources said the client did not want to work with Arnold’s headquarters in Boston.

Logitech was founded in 1981 and has 4,500 employees worldwide. The company also sells computer speakers, gaming devices and Internet video cameras.