Deutsch

It's been two months since we first reported on how VW was up for grabs and Crispin wouldn't defend. Now all the drama has come to an end as Deutsch LA won creative duties for the automaker's U.S. ad biz, a scenario that we imagined just yesterday.

Deutsch LA beat out Goodby in the end for the account (we're hearing that it came down to money). In a statement, the winning agency's co-CEO/CCO Eric Hirshberg says, "Volkswagen probably has the best 50-year portfolio of advertising that exists. And as far as the other agencies in the review, we felt like we were up against Mount Rushmore. The fact that they chose us to carry on this legacy is simply humbling."

According to Adweek, each agency got three hours to present creative ideas, with DDB and Goodby pitching on Monday and W+K and Deutsch on Tuesday. VW's account revenue is estimated at $15 million.

More: "The Fun Theory: VW's Foray into an Idea"

We've heard lately that prior to the merger of Deutsch and Lowe, DDB was in good standing to take the Volkswagen business. The agency's digital strategy was apparently out of this world, says a source familiar with Volkswagen, but the traditional may not have hit the mark. Add to that the merger of two major agencies capable of handling the nuts-and-bolts of a national, dealer-heavy account, and Deutsch/Lowe looks a lot better than it may have.

Lead executives for Deutsch, a Lowe & Partners agency (its new name) feel that their prior planning puts the newly merged agencies in a good position to handle new work and old — without creating conflicts. "It's been pretty careful in the planning, Tony Wright, chairman at Lowe & Partners Worldwide told the Times. "We've gone at this with the belief it made compelling sense in many ways."

One looming question: will Deutsch New York and Deutsch LA team up to handle the business? Presumably, yes, but that question is better answered by those of you who are inside these meetings.

More: "VW Moves Forward With Goodby, Deutsch; Reading Between the Lines on CP+B"

Well, this explains the "Mark Wnek is out of a Job" tip: Lowe Brand to Be Erased in U.S. Following Merger With Deutsch

More: "We Hear: Deutsch LA Begins Layoffs"

And so it continues. According to a few sources, Deutsch LA has begun the layoff process today beginning with its account people. The reported numbers have hovered around 9 and 10 so far with over two dozen rumored to be axed when all is said and done. An email and phone call to the LA office weren't immediately returned.

More: "RGA: No Money, Mo Problems"

Deutsch New York is down at least one head of production, the man known simply as Jim Frame, sources tell AgencySpy. The EVP director of broadcast production at Deutsch was let go recently, we're hearing, as part of a series of quiet layoffs the company is performing.

But what could Frame and company's departures mean? Some have suggested that the shop is losing — or has lost — the Tylenol account, though that is yet to be confirmed. Don't worry, our spies are on it (note: an agency representative tells us they have not lost the account, but when pressed for details did not respond).

We've determined that the layoffs are happening in stages and there may be more to come. But why would the agency wait, instead of doing it all at once? Those close to the matter tell us Deutsch is in on a number of pitches at the moment and a win could save those who may be next in line.

One thing is certain — the agency and its employees have been more than quiet about the matter.

More: "Donny Deutsch Is On Schedule With His New Book"

Update: A spy tells us the headcount is at 47. What have you heard? Post in the comments.

AgencySpy has fielded a number of tips concerning Deustch LA and yesterday's layoffs. We're told by an agency representative that a number equaling three percent of the staff have been let go from the agency. Unable to provide a total headcount, we're forced to rely on the numbers we've been given by various sources, which range from 30 to 50 people.

"We've examined our resource needs based on reduced client spending in key categories for the year. As a result, we have reduced staff by 3%," the agency said in an e-mailed statement.

The agency rep. went on to say that for now, no other layoffs are expected — for Deutsch and many other agencies, it's a waiting game.

Sources inside the agency noted that the cutbacks are a result of GM cutbacks. Deutsch LA currently works on the Saturn brand, and GM's decision not to invest in media for the brand is surely a prime cause.

More: "Deutsch Gets Deep Into Content"

Ex-ad man and media personality, Donny Deutsch, recently had his show axed from CNBC. Never fear! His book, The Big Idea: How to Make Your Entrepreneurial Dreams Come True, From the Aha Moment to Your First Million, will still hit your local bookstore as of January 1. His publicist, Stephanie Jones said to Portfolio magazine, "I'm pretty sure it's gonna be a bestseller."

An excerpt from the book?

"Anyone who tells you they'd rather work than make love is lying -- unless their work is like making love. It's like finding the G-spot. As I've said, the happiest people I've met are those who love what they do."

I don't know how long I've been saying this, but Donny is so sex obsessed it's ridiculous and well, a bit embarrassing no?

More: Donny Deutsch; Home Wrecker, Baby Daddy, Douche Extraordinaire

It's a very quiet ad today, so it's nice to see that amongst the meager amount of news is a win. Campbell Ewald has taken home media and buying duties for USAA. While the shop has recently been laying-off staffers due to the turmoil with GM, it's nice to see that perhaps with this win, there won't be more bodies on the unemployment line.

Of course, when there's a winner, there's a loser. Deutsch has held the account for the last year, but a new CMO has recently come to the USAA and you know what that (genearlly) means for the AOR. Lay-offs from Deutsch have been recorded at lower numbers than the majority of agencies. Hopefully, the USAA account won't change that.

More: Donny Deutsch Wins One for the Gipper

Ah, thank heavens! An account win! Congratulations to DeVito/Verdi. After losing the Sports Authority account to Deutsch at the end of November, the agency has picked up a new account. Intelius is a provider of online information services like people search, background checks, identity theft protection and employment screening.

DeVito/Verdi will release its first work for their new client in the first quarter of 2009. Good news is a great way to kick of a Monday morning.

More: Donny Deutsch; Home Wrecker, Baby Daddy, Douche Extraordinaire

Deutsch, like many agencies, is sending out holiday gifts to clients, journalists and vendors. This year's gift? Soap. Three bars of fruity smelling soap. The note included with this readily re-giftable item mentions something about a fresh start, a new year, getting clean.

Oh ha! That's kind of funny considering that Donny is deep in the shit with that whole being the other man scandal. First of all, is anyone really surprised that Donny has been getting it on with married, business woman Lisa Sandler? Remember his sloppy, sexual comments about Sarah Palin? No way this dude knows anything about discretion or self control.

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