WebProNews

Bing Commercials Infringe on Patent?

A set of product placement ads for Microsoft's Bing ran during NBC's The Philanthropist. The ads showed two of the characters from the actual show in scenes in which Bing was being used - clearly ads, but still integrated with the actual program.

Google, WPP To Study Online Ads' Effectiveness

Cute stories and a charismatic personality can go a long way towards making a sale; people like to feel good about their purchases.  At the same time, solid facts are pretty convincing, and Google and WPP intend to collect more of these concerning the power of online ads. 

Microsoft May Swap Avenue A/Razorfish

It seems that Microsoft has been struck with a slight case of buyer's remorse.  The Redmond-based corporation took control of Avenue A/Razorfish about one year ago as part of the aQuantive acquisition, and reports indicate it's now trying to trade the ad agency to WPP.

Yahoo, WPP Partner

Perhaps this deal has been scheduled for months, but it seems that a little pressure has once again worked (semi-) wonders.  As letters to and from Carl Icahn sail around, Yahoo announced a partnership with ad giant WPP this morning.

Spot Runner Snaps Up GlobeShooter

All eyes were on WPP - it was supposed to acquire the advertising agency known as Spot Runner, and that may still happen.  But in a move that came as something of a surprise, Spot Runner made an acquisition of its own and formed the Spot Runner Production Network.

A Modest Proposal - WPP And Google

Don't look now, but WPP honcho Martin Sorrell has been tipped to be looking for another acquisition to complement the ad giant's 24/7 Real Media buy from 2007.

Yahoo Unenthused About Google, DoubleClick

Color us with the 'unsurprised' crayon, neither Yahoo nor global advertising power WPP want to see Google walk away with the queen of the ad network homecoming ball.

Ad Magnate May Faceoff With Google TV

Martin Sorrell's WPP already owns a small stake in Spot Runner, but could move to take it over to complement an earlier online advertising company purchase.

WPP Connected To MySpace China

Reports indicate that WPP has invested in China Broadband Capital Partners.  Now, in the event that you’re not up-to-date on all the social networking news related to faraway countries, a further note: China Broadband has a large investment in MySpace China.

Microsoft to Acquire aQuantive

Microsoft has finally found its online advertising partner, with news that it will acquire aQuantive. After missing out on DoubleClick to Google, watching Yahoo pick up Right Media and WPP buying 24/7 Real Media, Microsoft decided to go “all in” with a $6 billion cash deal, paying $66.50 a share!