Arena wins Merck Consumer Health brief

Arena has been handed a new brief by Merck Consumer Health, the company behind brands such as Seven Seas and Haliborange.

Previously handled by MEC Manchester, the four million pound media business is being taken over by Arena with immediate effect, with the initial work to focus on media planning and buying across multiple channels, including content.

The first campaign to launch under this new partnership will debut in August 2014. Arena will be helping Merck Consumer Health to introduce new additions to a number of its most prominent product ranges.

Seven Seas also works with TBWAManchester on its creative advertising, a relationship that will not be affected by the appointment of Arena.

Ashish Bhatt, director of marketing for Merck in the UK and Ireland, said: "As a portfolio brand we were looking for an agile, flexible and always-on approach, and Arena delivered all three and much more besides."

The agency's past work includes collaborations with high-profile brands such as Lenovo, Tesco, Snickers and Eurostar.