Manning Selvage & Lee Appointed Agency of Record for Loblaw

Manning Selvage & Lee (MS&L) Toronto has been appointed as the new public relations agency of record for Loblaw Companies Ltd.  The agency’s mandate will include consumer PR support for President’s Choice food and home brands, clothing label Joe Fresh Style, President’s Choice Financial and other general products.

“On the list of companies you want to work for, Loblaw is right at the top.  They have an unrivalled reputation for innovation in the retail industry.  And it’s an absolute honour to partner with them,” said Gayla Brock-Woodland, Managing Director of MS&L Canada, which works with consumer clients such as Procter & Gamble, Rogers Wireless, Rogers Cable, Philips, Sunkist, and other well-known brands.

MS&L was chosen after a PR agency review involving three other firms.  “The MS&L team offers a unique combination of creativity, expertise in developing programs that build relationships beyond traditional media as well as a dedication to measurement,” said Elizabeth Margles, VP Public Relations and Corporate Communications for Loblaw Companies.

MS&L has built a reputation as a pioneer in the discipline of influencer and word of mouth marketing.  The agency recently created the largest and most comprehensive research of brand related conversations.  Dubbed “Inside the Conversations of the Conversation Catalysts™,” the study provides unique insights into those who are leading word of mouth interactions.  MS&L Toronto’s related expertise includes innovative communication programs for youth, women’s, and men’s products.

About Manning Selvage & Lee
MS&L is one of the world's leading global public relations firms. Headquartered in New York, MS&L has 41 offices throughout North America, Latin America, EMEA and Asia-Pacific, as well as an extensive global affiliate network.  The agency meets the needs of global and local clients by providing best-in-class services in consumer marketing PR, healthcare PR, corporate communications and technology communications, as well as industry-leading work in digital communications.  MS&L won PRWeek's Best Use of Internet/New Media Award in both 2006 and 2007.

MS&L is a member of the Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: 13057, NYSE: PUB), whose activities span 109 countries on six continents and include advertising, media counsel and buying, marketing services and specialized communications.  For more information, visit www.publicisgroupe.com.

About Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Loblaw Companies Ltd. is Canada's largest food distributor and a leading provider of general merchandise, drugstore and financial products and services. Through its various operating banners, Loblaw Companies Ltd. is committed to providing Canadians with a one-stop destination in meeting their food and everyday household needs. This goal is pursued through a portfolio of store formats across the country. It also offers one of Canada's strongest control label programs, including the unique President's Choice® and no name® brands. Loblaw Companies Ltd. is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada, employing more than 135,000 full-time and part-time employees.

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