Dentsu: We launch in Australia in mid-February

Advertising giant Dentsu has this morning offered the first clues to its intentions for the Australian market.

In an email sent from the US headquarters of its new unit Dentsu Network West which itself only launched last month, the company confirmed that it was launching in Australia with Toyota as the foundation client.

Although there was no information in the short announcement about potential partnerships with local agencies, there is increasing market speculation that Oddfellows – already on the Toyota roster – may be involved. The two agencies announced a strategic alliance two years ago. At the time a Dentsu said an acquisition could follow.  

Oddfellows tends to focus on Toyota and sister company Lexus’s less glamorous retail campaigns. However, at least one other independent agency – which firmly denies it – has also been mentioned as in talks with Dentsu.