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Source - National Post - Tuesday April 26, 2005

Molson USA has a Canadian BrainStorm

Susan Heinrich - Ad Lib

Toronto-based The BrainStorm Group, a mid-size advertising agency, has scooped the Molson USA creative account away from Crispin Porter + Bogusky, the Miami hot shop.

It's a big win for the Canadian agency, which has managed Molson USA's promotions business for two years but was given a chance to add the creative advertising side when the newly merged Molson Coors Brewing Co. reviewed all its agencies recently. The win gives BrainStorm, which has a second office in Denver, creative responsibility for all brands Molson sells in the U.S.: Canadian, Canadian Light, Golden and Ice.

"One of the reasons we won this account was we really demonstrated an understanding of the Molson brands," said Bob Froese, president, The BrainStorm Group. "One of the most exciting bits was that the incumbent (agency) was Crispin Porter + Bogusky," Mr. Froese admitted. "... To be able to step up to that level and win it."

The account will be managed from both offices but creative direction will come out of the Toronto office. And the agency, with 50 staff, will have to grow to manage the new business, Mr. Froese said.

BrainStorm's other clients include ADP, Baxter's Soups, Cadbury, Canon, CaymanONE, and Coleman Natural Foods.

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