Citigroup Names Fallon Minneapolis Agency of Record for Citibank's U.S. Consumer Business; Brand Positioning to Integrate, Focus Consumer Business.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2000

Citigroup announced today that it has named Fallon Minneapolis its agency of record for Citibank's U.S. consumer business, including retail banking and credit cards. Six agencies, including the incumbent agency of record, competed for the U.S. brand campaign and Citibank's U.S. consumer advertising.

"We undertook this process to find an idea with the magnitude to help build Citi into a stronger consumer brand. We wanted advertising that would communicate our expanded capabilities and our focus on providing consumer solutions," said Marge Magner, senior executive vice president for Citigroup's Global Consumer Group. "The best agencies in the business were involved in the process. We saw very good work. Fallon presented the most comprehensive idea and exciting ways to integrate the diversity of our product offerings with the power of the Citi brand."

"This is a hugely significant, momentous win for us against some excellent agencies. This win speaks to our history of developing big brand ideas that come from deep consumer truths, stand out creatively and get results," said Pat Fallon, chairman of Fallon Worldwide. "In the end, it came down to the right strategy, the right people and the right creative approach; a three-pronged victory for our organization. We are very proud to be Citibank's partner."

While more than 80 Fallon staffers contributed to the winning presentation, the agency was represented by Pat Fallon and Mark Goldstein, chief marketing officer; David Lubars, Fallon Minneapolis president/creative director; Anne Bologna, director of planning; Maggie Shea, account group director; and Lisa Seward, media director.

Citibank is a member of Citigroup (NYSE:C), the premier financial services company, which provides some 100 million consumers, corporations, governments and institutions in 100 countries with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, insurance, securities brokerage and asset management. Additional information can be found at: www.citi.com.

Fallon Minneapolis manages the consumer voice of some of the world's leading brands. With billings of approximately $575 million, the agency's clients include BMW of North America, drugstore.com, EDS, Holiday Inn, International Truck and Engine Corp., The Lee Company, Nordstrom, Nuveen Investments, PBS, Ralston Purina, Starbucks Coffee Company, Timex and United Airlines. Fallon Worldwide is the newly formed second global network of Publicis Group, based in Paris. Additional information can be found at: www.fallon.com.