IPG media agency Universal McCann (UM) has been reselected as the federal government's master media agency, following a competitive tender.
UM beat Omnicom's PHD which was confirmed by AdNews to be in the final shortlist.
One of Australia's largest indies, Atomic 212, made an earlier shortlist for the pitch, industry insiders say.
UM has held the account since 2002, with a pause when dentsu took over between 2014 and 2018.
The Federal Government's department of finance confirmed the appointment to AdNews.
"A deed will be signed shortly following which the outcome will be published on AusTender," a spokesperson said.
The open tender was launched on February 8.
In March, industry insiders told AdNews agencies were feeling the pinch of what they see as a tighter submission period for the federal government's master media agency account.
The pitch was said to be "very standard" and "rushed" which made agencies believe the government had no interest in moving the account.
However, the tender was then extended for almost two months.
The winner was supposed to start servicing the account July 1, but the decision was extended until September 30.
According to the tender documents the account is now worth $163 million.
This figure is lower than previous years as the Government spent more to promote health and safety during COVID times.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.