DDB's Seattle Office Wins Car Toys TV Media Account; Media Planning & Television Buying Team To Help Retailer With Aggressive Expansion Plans.

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2001

The Seattle office of DDB Worldwide Communications Group (www.ddbseattle.com) has acquired $7+ million television media-only account from Car Toys, the largest independent retailer of mobile electronics and wireless phones in the United States.

The agency's media arm will provide strategic planning and television buying services for this mobile electronic products and services retailer. Car Toys is headquartered in Seattle, with 42 stores located throughout Washington, Colorado, Texas and Oregon.

DDB Recognized For Its Record Media Savings

Able to leverage $7.5 billion in media spending clout, DDB sets itself apart from the competition by delivering strategic, effective buys at the lowest possible cost. "After reviewing several agencies, we decided to go with the caliber of people, breadth of media buying experience, and quality of references DDB presented," said Cindy Riccardo, Car Toys media director.

"As we continue our aggressive expansion throughout the United States," explains Car Toys chairman and CEO, Dan Brettler, "we need an agency like DDB that can play a pivotal role in making this happen."

"DDB is very pleased to be working with one of the fastest-growing businesses in Washington," said DDB Seattle's CEO, Ron Elgin. "Now we're prepared to use our unparalleled media buying strength to help this company grow even faster."

About Car Toys

Founded in 1987, Car Toys is ranked as the premier independent retailer of car stereos and wireless phones in the United States. With more than $150 million in revenues, 40 stores, and more than 900 employees in four states, Car Toys has built their business on outstanding customer service and expertise. Car Toys carries all major brands including Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, AT&T Wireless, Nextel, Sprint PCS, Verizon Wireless and VoiceStream.

About DDB Worldwide Communications

The Seattle office of DDB is a full-service communications company with capabilities in advertising, public relations, direct marketing, media and design. The 185-employee agency is a unit of Omnicom Group Inc and DDB Worldwide. DDB (www.ddb.com) is the largest advertising agency in the United States and the third largest agency worldwide (based on consolidated gross income). The agency has 206 offices in 99 countries and is acknowledged as the industry's most creative multinational network, based on its dominance of advertising award competitions.

DDB is a division of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE:OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com), a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.