Allstate Signs OgilvyOne Chicago; Company To Implement Direct Marketing Initiatives.

Business Editors

NORTHBROOK, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2004

Allstate Insurance Company today announced it has signed OgilvyOne Chicago as its direct marketing agency following an extensive review. Allstate, the largest publicly-held U.S. personal lines insurer, has stepped up marketing efforts since last year when it introduced its "Our Stand" campaign. OgilvyOne Chicago will be responsible for database marketing initiatives, including direct mail, segmentation, analytics, and creative to support Allstate growth initiatives.

"The addition of OgilvyOne Chicago for our direct marketing work is representative of Allstate's emphasis on working with best-in-class agencies to help broaden our footprint from insurance to providing Americans with the best protection and financial security solutions for their needs," said Joe Tripodi, Allstate chief marketing officer. "The experience and expertise OgilvyOne Chicago brings to this area of responsibility match our commitment to strategic marketing to grow our customer base. "

"Allstate represents a tremendous opportunity for OgilvyOne Chicago to do exceptional advanced direct marketing work," said Trish Chuipek, director of client service, OgilvyOne Chicago. "We look forward to partnering with Allstate to extend the 'Our Stand' message to the direct arena -- telling consumers one-to-one about how they can be in `good hands' - protecting what they have today and preparing for tomorrow."

Digitas, who has been the database and interactive marketing agency for Allstate for the past 4 years, will continue to provide support for the company's interactive marketing initiatives. Allstate has also worked with Draft Worldwide on direct response television.

As part of its normal procurement governance process, Allstate conducts formal, open reviews in a competitive environment when selecting its suppliers. Additional details about the selection and negotiation process were not disclosed.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate(R)" slogan, Allstate provides insurance products to more than 16 million households and has approximately 12,900 exclusive agencies and financial specialists in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services through Allstate agents, or in select states at allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate(R). Encompass(SM) and Deerbrook(R) Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. Allstate Financial Group includes the businesses that provide life, annuity and insurance, retirement, banking and investment products through distribution channels that include Allstate agents, independent agents, worksite, financial institutions and broker-dealers.

OgilvyOne worldwide delivers the art and science of effective one-to-one marketing. It is the strongest, most experienced and most highly awarded one-to-one marketing network in the world, with 120 offices in 56 countries. The agency's roster of clients is split between global clients including American Express, Cisco, Coca Cola Company, Glaxo Smith Kline, IBM, Nestle, SAP and Unilever, and leading clients in local markets. OgilvyOne worldwide is a unit of Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, which is part of the WPP Group plc (NASDAQ: WPPGY), one of the world's largest communications services groups.