WPP has failed to fend off Publicis to retain the North America media brief as the pitch comes to a conclusion.

Coca-Cola Co. has shifted its North America media account from WPP to rival Publicis Groupe following a closed review, Ad Age has learned. Ewan Larkin covers ad agencies, including new business, executive moves, trends and more. He previously covered corporate communications and public relations agencies as a reporter at PRWeek.

Cola's (NYSE:KO) North American media account to French rival Publicis (OTCQX:PUBGY) following a competitive tender, according to media reports from Friday. Coke reportedly spends close to $800M every year in overall billings,

Publicis — which last year overtook WPP as the largest agency in the world based on revenues — has won Coke’s media business in the US and Canada following a competitive tender, according to three people familiar with the deal. Those close to the contract said that Coke spent close to $800mn every year in overall billings.

Publicis Groupe has won The Coca-Cola Company's US and Canada media account from incumbent WPP following a closed review. According to Comvergence, Coca-Cola’s US media spend was $785 million (£607m) in 2024, up from $610 million (£471m) in 2023.

WPP is hoping to fend off Publicis to retain the brief as the pitch nears a conclusion. Win or lose, the spotlight will be on GroupM.

Coca-Cola Co. is nearing the end of a closed review of its U.S. media account, with incumbent WPP and rival Publicis Groupe in the running for the business, Ad Age has learned.

WPP is defending its Coca-Cola media business in North America against another major holding company — Publicis. It is understood that the holding company still retains the business in other markets.

Cola's lucrative North American media account from WPP following a hush-hush competitive review, industry sources confirmed yesterday. The French advertising giant will now handle Coca-Cola's media planning and buying across the United States and Canada,

WPP is defending the North American media part of its flagship $4bn exclusive marketing deal with Coca-Cola against Publicis, runner-up when the account was awarded to WPP's bespoke Coke agency OpenX in 2021.