MPG and ZenithOptimedia go head-to-head for Reckitt Benckiser's China media business

The pitch was first called before Chinese New Year. A result is expected imminently. The account is worth US$10 million.

Sources from the incumbent agency for the Chinese market, OMD, confirmed with Media that they are not part of the pitch. OMD won Reckitt Benckiser's media account last April and resigned the account at the end of January this year prior to its contract coming to an end in February. 

Last November, Reckitt Benckiser split its Asia-Pacific media planning and buying arrangements between MPG and ZenithOptimedia.

ZenithOptimedia also won the UK, US, German and Northern European markets, while MPG will handle the business outside of these markets. MPG also confirmed that they currently work with the client in the US, India, South Asia and the UK.

The British household, health and personal care products manufacturer manages Dettol, Veet, Finish, Cillit Bang and Dosia in the Chinese market.

In the region, Reckitt Benckiser has reappointed Euro RSCG as Clearasil Australia's digital agency following a pitch that involved three other agencies.

Euro RSCG has appointed Tarsha Lim and Maslita Rezal as joint creative group heads on its Reckitt Benckiser account in Malaysia.

In 2008, Reckitt Benckiser increased its media spend by 26 per cent to $1.3 billion and grew its revenue by 25 per cent.