Among the brands likely to be involved in the appointment are Tia Maria,
Courvoisier, Cockburn's port and Harveys Bristol Cream with the possible addition of Teacher's whisky.
The move has also raised speculation that Allied Domecq's Ballantine's
scotch brand, which Bates handles in the US but which is available in
the UK only through duty-free outlets, will be launched into the British
market.
However, the consolidation within Cordiant appears not to fit with last
week's decision by Allied Domecq to assign the Courvoisier UK account to Walsh Trott Chick Smith after a protracted pitch.
While Bates UK is expected to become involved in above-the-line
advertising on its flagship brands, industry sources said that the
lion's share of the business will go into 141, its integrated
specialist, which will handle the global direct marketing assignments.
Allied Domecq's other main brands -Beefeater gin, Kahlua and Sauza
tequila - are likely to remain at BBDO.
Most of Allied Domecq's recent UK marketing support has gone behind Tia
Maria, with work by Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R.
