Optus announced today the selection of M&C Saatchi as its strategic advertising agency and Media Planning Group (MPG) as its media agency partner after a comprehensive and competitive review process.

"M&C Saatchi and MPG were successful in retaining the account as they demonstrated an understanding of Optus' marketing objectives through campaign integration of message, tone, look and feel. These elements are vital to support clear, simple, customer communication," Mike Smith, Optus Corporate Marketing Director said.

"The winning agencies were chosen for their ability to deliver strategic insight, planning, account management, creative capability and integrated production services along with competitive pricing.

"M&C Saatchi will now be responsible for the all of Optus' creative work including the Optus Business portfolio.

"They have demonstrated their ability to integrate the Optus brand values across all our customer segments in shaping the rapidly changing converged world of telecommunications.

"M&C Saatchi and MPG originally won the Optus account in 2003. This renewal demonstrates their understanding of Optus' complex and unique customer segment mix and ability to continue to deliver value.

"M&C Saatchi have a successful partnership with MPG demonstrating a great understanding of not only Optus' communication needs but Optus’ relationship with its customers and how to reach them effectively through multi-platform engagement," Mr Smith said.

MPG will also manage Optus' wholly owned subsidiary, Virgin Mobile Australia's media buying requirements.

Media contact:
Simone Bergholcs
Optus Corporate Affairs
Tel: (02) 8082 7846