Euro RSCG Withdraws from $300M Intel Review

Incumbent agency Euro RSCG Worldwide, a division of Havas, has removed itself from the running in Intel’s review of its advertising assignments. The Intel account is estimated to be worth around $300 million annually, including both traditional and interactive spending.

Though Euro RSCG had been given the chance to make a presentation along with the finalists — reported to include units of Interpublic Group (IPG), Omnicom Group and WPP Group — the agency said it had decided not to go forward. A published report last week indicated that the Havas agencies had been cut from the review.

“It has become increasingly clear that Intel’s drive toward business transformation would inevitably lead to a change in agencies,” Euro RSCG said in a statement. “After much consideration, Euro RSCG decided its talent and resources would be better focused on our current clients and the high-profile new business competitions we are involved in.”

Euro RSCG and its sister agency, Media Planning Group, will continue to service the account during the transition. Euro RSCG has worked with Intel since 1991, creating campaigns such as the “Intel Inside” effort that brought the technology company to the attention of consumers.

An Intel spokesperson said the company wished Euro RSCG well and said it was still working with “a number of agencies,” though it wouldn’t confirm the published report. The company is expected to make a decision by the end of the first quarter.