EA GETS CREATIVE WITH WIEDEN + KENNEDY
EA Announces New Global Advertising Agency of Record
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., May 27, 2005 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Wieden+Kennedy today announced that they will work together on EA's global advertising business starting in April 2005. After having worked closely on two of EA's key franchises last year, EA now is moving the majority of its print and broadcast advertising business to Portland-based Wieden+Kennedy.
The Portland shop will take the lead on EA's North American business and W+K Amsterdam will manage the European assignment. In signing this deal, W+K will bring their expertise in branding and lifestyle advertising to some of the most well-known videogame franchises in the industry including The SimsTM, Madden NFL, FIFA, Need For SpeedTM and up and coming blockbuster EA game franchises including The GodfatherTM, and James BondTM. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
"The creative strength and global reach of W+K make them a good fit for EA, as we continue to move our brands into new global markets and strengthen our presence in North America," said Jan Bolz, Vice President Sales and Marketing, EA Europe. "We were really impressed with the work they did on their original projects with EA, and look forward to working with them on innovative and creative ad campaigns across our EA SPORTS, EA and EA SPORTS BIG brands."
"With EA, you are not only talking about a clear industry leader, but also one of the key influencers when it comes to youth culture," said Dan Wieden, President and Chief Creative Officer, Wieden+Kennedy. "Needless to say, we're stoked. This is one of those partnerships that, like the rising tide, lifts both boats."
The first media campaigns under this new agreement will be Medal of Honor European AssaultTM, NCAA® Football 06, Madden NFL 06, and additional EA titles shipping this summer.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTSTM, EATM, EA SPORTS BIGTM and POGOTM. In fiscal 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.
About Wieden+Kennedy
Wieden+Kennedy, founded in Portland, Oregon, is one of the largest independently owned advertising agencies, with offices in Amsterdam, London, New York, Tokyo and Shanghai. A full-service creatively led communications company, Wieden+Kennedy has helped build some of the strongest global brands, including Nike, ESPN, Miller and Coca-Cola. Currently, the agency's roster also includes Honda UK, Sharp, Vodafone and Starbucks.
Electronic Arts, EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG, POGO, Medal of Honor European Assault, The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. The GodfatherTM & ® 2005 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved James Bond is a trademark of Danjaq, LLC. NFL, FIFA and NCAA are trademarks of their respective owners and used with permission. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.