Agency

After more than 11 years serving the US Hispanic market as its leading media planning and buying agency, Austin-based Amistad Media Group has elected to close its doors as of January 31.

Consumers once again proved unflappable in the face of high energy prices as a late December shopping spree capped off another successful holiday season. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) for December increased a strong 5.7 percent unadjusted over last year and were flat seasonally adjusted from the previous month.

The National Minority Health Month Foundation (NMHMF) announces a broad-based national campaign aimed at encouraging the U.S. Congress to support the reauthorization and modernization of the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act in 2006.

Total U.S. advertising spending is expected to increase 5.4 percent in 2006 to $152.3 billion, according to the full-year forecast released by TNS Media Intelligence. This solid increase follows the estimated growth of 3.0 percent in 2005, as the U.S. economy continues on a stable course.

Facing new economic challenges in 2006, consumers may be forced to find new sources for spending power. The National Retail Federation (NRF) released its 2006 forecast, predicting that retail industry sales (which exclude automobiles, gas stations, and restaurants) will increase 4.7 percent from last year.

VNU officially went into play, announcing it has received a buy-out offer from a consortium of private equity firms valued at about $8.8 billion.

GM this week announced that it has significantly lowered Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs) on vehicles accounting for about 80 percent of its sales volume. This move covers every Chevrolet, Buick and GMC model, as well as most Pontiac cars and trucks. The new MSRPs became effective Jan. 11.