Microsoft bags Skype
Microsoft is has bought internet communications company Skype in a deal worth $US 8.5 billion, which will see Skype support Microsoft devices including XBox and Windows Phone. The decision was met with approval by the boards of both companies. Skype has 170 million users worldwide.
Creative agency Bashful picks up two new accounts
Creative and strategic agency Bashful has won accounts for Lend Lease's new development, Darling Quarter, and weekly magazine Famous. The agency won Lend Lease following the launch of the Lend Lease-managed MidCity Style Space in Sydney last year and Bashful's recent campaigns for Lend Lease's retail portfolio. Famous magazine appointed Bashful following a competitive pitch and work will include a TV, print, web and social media campaign to launch this month.
EB Games to launch gaming expo
Gaming retailer EB Games will host the EB Games Expo in October at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. The Queensland-based retailer says the expo will be biggest gaming event in Australia and aims to give gamers the opportunity to experience new release games and presentations from international game developers.
Pollard to head up Lenovo strategy at Saatchis NY
Former McCann strategy director Mark Pollard will be senior vice president, global planning director on technology brand Lenovo at Saatchi & Saatchi. Pollard had been with McCann since January 2009 and left at the end of March.
Mars, Cherry Ripe and Kit Kat are favourites
Mars Bar, Cherry Ripe and Kit Kat are Australia's favourite chocolate bars, according to a survey by Roy Morgan. The same survey found that 53% of the population aged over 14 consume chocolate bars in an average four-week period. Females aged between 14 and 24 years are more likely to be chocolate bar consumers.
Traffik adds two to Melbourne team
Experiential marketing agency Traffik has expanded its Melbourne team with two hires, on the back of three undisclosed new business wins this year. Rebecca Leijer and Belinda Riverso joined the agency in account management roles.
LinkedIn gets US $3 bn price tag
LinkedIn has been valued at $3 billion in an initial public offering. The professional social networking site recently hit 2 million users in Australia and 100 million worldwide.
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