Vattenfall Selects DDB as Lead Creative Agency for Europe

NEW YORK, March 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Swedish energy giant Vattenfall has named DDB as its European Creative Agency Network, following a six-month pitch.

DDB will begin working with Vattenfall as of April 1 and will work in partnership with Vattenfall's newly appointed media partner, IUM. The business will be led out of DDB Stockholm, with hubs in Germany and the Netherlands, and will also service the markets in Finland, Denmark, Belgium, Poland and the UK.

DDB was one of five network finalists.  Incumbents on the business are N=5, Lowe and McCann Erickson.

Elizabeth Strom, Communications Director, Vattenfall AB, noted, "Our business was split between several leading firms and we have now decided to consolidate in a partnership with DDB and IUM. They are our new partners in creating an international brand with a European focus, and will strengthen cooperation between the various markets and centralize our communications."

"Vattenfall is a great European brand and we are delighted with our new partnership," Pietro Tramontin, CEO DDB Europe, said. "I am very proud of the collaboration, creativity and cultural insights from our network, which came together to convert this opportunity into a brilliant alliance."

DDB Europe recently also picked up the pan-regional business for Gu puddings and eBay.

About Vattenfall

Vattenfall is the fifth largest electricity producer in Europe and the largest producer of heat. Vattenfall's core markets are Sweden, Germany and the Netherlands. Vattenfall also conducts business in the UK, Poland, Belgium, Denmark and Finland. The main elements of the business are:

• Electricity
• Sales to corporate and private customers
• Electricity trading in electricity markets
• Distribution network
• District heating

About DDB

DDB Worldwide Communications Group Inc (www.ddb.com) ranks among the top five consolidated advertising and marketing services global networks, according to Advertising Age. Consistently one of the most awarded networks globally for creative excellence, DDB was Campaign's 2009 Global Network of the Year, the 2010 Spikes Asia Network of the Year, 2010 Eurobest Network of the Year, 2010 Campaign Asia Pacific Creative Network of the Year, and captured both the Cyber Grand Prix and Film Craft Grand Prix at the 2010 International Advertising Festival in Cannes. With more than 200 offices in over 90 countries, the DDB Group helps grow the value and influence of leading brands around the world. DDB Worldwide is part of Omnicom Group Inc. (OMC).

SOURCE DDB