Publicis-owned media agency Starcom has wrested control of Ubisoft’s global media account away from GroupM following a global pitch.
Starcom will now be responsible for media planning and buying globally on the £20 million ($AU39 million) rated account. The account covers Australia and 17 other countries, according to Campaign.
GroupM reportedly repitched for the account, led by GroupM France.
The Ubisoft account has been something of a poisoned chalice. GroupM was reappointed to the account in 2015 after Havas Media reneged on its deal to manage the video game publisher and developer. Havas parent company Vivendi purchased a majority stake in Ubisoft. The stake was later sold due to resistance from shareholders.
Ubisoft produces the Assasin’s Creed, Far Cry and Tom Clancy series of games.
Starcom declined to comment. GroupM did not reply to a request for comment.
