MEC appointed by Lloyds Banking Group

The appointment will see MEC assume responsibility for the enlarged Group's portfolio of brands.

The appointment comes following a competitive four-month pitch process, including Lloyds TSB and HBOS heritage incumbent agencies, ZenithOptimedia and Vizuem, plus OMD and MEC.

Nigel Gilbert, Marketing Director, Lloyds Banking Group, said: "Following a rigorous process during which we saw strong presentations from four quality agencies, we are delighted to announce the appointment of MEC as our sole media planning and buying agency for the enlarged Group and look forward to working together to ensure we have the best possible model consistent with our future brand and business plans. At the final stage it was a close contest between MEC and ZenithOptimedia but we're convinced that MEC represents our best agency solution for the challenges ahead."

Tom George, UK CEO of MEC, said: "We're obviously delighted to have emerged victorious after such a thorough process and with the opportunity to work with some of the best brands not only in the finance sector but in the market as a whole. We are really looking forward to working with Lloyds Banking Group and can't wait to get started".