Equity Marketing & DraftWorldwide Global Premium Agencies For Burger King.

Burger King Corporation announced that it has added Premium Surge, a division of Chicago-based DraftWorldwide as its second premium agency to handle toys for kids promotions for the company’s restaurants worldwide. The new assignment for Premium Surge, which is effective immediately, is in addition to DraftWorldwide’s role as promotional agency of record, handling promotional and merchandising activity for Burger King Corporation worldwide. Equity Marketing, Inc., a BKC premium manufacturing agency of record since 1996, will retain its role as Burger King’s primary creative and manufacturing agency for premium programs.

“Equity Marketing is our valued strategic premium partner,” said Rick Dow, senior vice president, marketing programs and sales for Burger King Corporation. “The addition of Premium Surge for the toy portion of our kids business will serve as a complement to our existing partner and will allow us to build a complete wide range of premiums and kids promotions.”

“Developing the highest-quality, results-driven promotional programs has been our top priority throughout our 16-year relationship with Burger King,” said Don Kurz, chairman and chief executive officer of Equity Marketing. “We look forward to expanding the scope of our services to Burger King and Burger
King’s customers.”

“We are delighted to formally expand our marketing role with Burger King,” said Lee Hill, vice chairman and worldwide director of promotions, and president, Premium Surge. “We knew back in the fall that we were establishing a strong team when it came to the design and production of promotional premiums. We will put their expertise to use, talent and skills to begin contributing to the 2003 premium line for the Burger King) system.”

After an extensive review of 18 candidates, both Equity Marketing and Premium Surge were selected as global premium agencies by Burger King. Both parties exceeded Burger King Corporation’s premium manufacturing guidelines. “We believe it is a right practice to continue enlisting the talents of several sources of goods and services,” said Craig Braasch, vice president, global advertising & promotions. “We are pleased to welcome Premium Surge into its new role and look forward to working with both Equity Marketing and Premium Surge on our future marketing endeavors.”