Publicis — which last year overtook WPP as the largest agency in the world based on revenues — has won Coke’s media business in the US and Canada following a competitive tender, according to three people familiar with the deal. Those close to the contract said that Coke spent close to $800mn every year in overall billings.

This really isn't what WPP wanted to hear. Publicis has won Coca-Cola's North American media, worth $785m blast year, fromm WPP's GroupM in a closed pitch. Coca-Cola is arguably WPP's flagship account,

WPP is hoping to fend off Publicis to retain the brief as the pitch nears a conclusion. Win or lose, the spotlight will be on GroupM.

Coca-Cola Co. has shifted its North America media account from WPP to rival Publicis Groupe following a closed review, Ad Age has learned. Publicis will oversee media and data in