Will Y&R Asia merge with Y&R Singapore?

Singapore - Sources close to both Y&R Asia and Y&R Singapore have suggested that the former will merge with the latter to be known simply as Y&R Singapore and be led by its current MD, Tanuj Philip.

Y&R, which two weeks ago informed Sony Electronics Asia Pacific of its decision to resign from its advertising account once existing projects were completed, would not comment on the speculation but is expected to officially announce Philip's new role in three weeks time. A Sony spokeswoman said the company would be conducting a pitch shortly to appoint a new agency.

Philip declined to comment on whether the merger would result in any layoffs but it is understood that regional teams from Y&R Asia will now report to Philip following his promotion.

Y&R Asia and Y&R Singapore currently work in the same building, The Concourse, but on different floors.

In December 2007, LG named Y&R as its global network for adaptation and distribution, after appointing Bartle Bogle Hegarty its international lead strategic and creative agency. It has been reported that the agency split from the Sony Electronics Asia Pacific due to conflict concerns with LG's global business.

Among the other recent big new business wins for the network include winning the M1 account in Singapore after a closed door pitch in early February.