Ace Hardware has selected Starcom MediaVest Group's Spark agency to handle media planning and buying following a review, Adweek has learned.
The assignment includes both traditional and digital work. The incumbent, independent media shop Horizon, won the account more than 10 years ago, and defended the business in the review. Other participants in the review were identified as WPP's MEC and IPG's Initiative.
Ace Hardware spent $44 million across U.S. media in 2012, according to Nielsen estimates. That number does not include digital spending.
Publicis-owned Spark and Horizon both referred calls to the client. A spokesperson for Ace confirmed that the brand had recently conducted a media review, but declined to comment further.
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