A year ago, Bates USA West in Irvine, California, boasted billings of $275 million (€282m; £178m) and 150 staff. Last Friday it closed, having lost all its clients and all but 20 of its employees.
The shop’s largest piece of business was the $160m Hyundai creative and media account. However, these duties were switched to The Richards Group and Carat earlier this year, the contract with Bates ending September 30.
Hyundai is one of a string of high-profile losses to have hit the Bates Worldwide network this year – a major factor in the imminent departure of Michael Bungey, ceo of London-based parent Cordiant Communications [WAMN: 06-Sep-02].
Aside from its auto duties, the now defunct office also handled Aramark Uniform Services, which dropped Bates in August.
Data sourced from: BrandRepublic (UK); additional content by WARC staff
