Xtra

5/6

Adidas has signed New York City high school star Sebastian Telfair, a 5-foot-10 point guard, to a deal reportedly worth $15 million.

A settlement between the New York Attorney General and a group of New York A&P supermarkets over sweepstakes marketing practices has ended in $38,000 in civil penalties against the grocery chain. A&P was alleged to have violated consumer protection laws by failing to provide entry procedures for customers not purchasing items from its stores, the AG's office said.

Coors Brewing Co. drafted motorcycle mechanic Jesse James as spokesperson for Coors Original, starting with a summer sweepstakes, special packaging and regional TV.

5/4

Pepsi-Cola and Frito-Lay may face civil action from U.S. regulators over improper dealings of close to $6 million in vendor allowances with Kmart.

Brenda Barnes, the former president-CEO of PepsiCola North America, has been named president-COO of Sara Lee Corp. The appointment takes effect July 1.

Entertainment Marketing Inc. closed its doors in April, unable to recover from the March loss of key client Brown-Forman Corp. On April 15, the staff, including CEO John Davidoff, was let go by parent Svoboda, Collins, a Chicago-based private equity firm. The firm is handling the liquidation of EMI's assets.

4/29

The U.S. Postal Service ends its sponsorship of the U.S. Pro Cycling Team led by Lance Armstrong. The eight-year relationship wraps up at yearend.

Fifty-seven percent of marketing and advertising executives plan to add staff in the next 12 months, up from 44% in 2003, according to a survey from The Creative Group. That's because 88% of execs expected business to increase over the next year.

4/27

Universal Studios has partnered with Carl's Jr., the American Red Cross and Toys “R” Us in an estimated $30 million marketing blitz to promote its upcoming and classic films including the new movie Van Helsing.

Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. scaled back a KOOL campaign after complaints that the effort targets black youths. The packaging triggered a written complaint in late March from Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe.

Snapple began installing vending machines in New York City public buildings after a New York state judge refused to block a $126 million deal between the beverage company and the city.

Kmart extended its licensing contract to carry Martha Stewart Everyday products through 2009, and will add furniture to the line.

Coca-Cola's five-year exclusive contract to place beverage vending machines in Chicago Public Schools is about to expire and the school has decided to join other districts in banning the sale of soda in its 540 schools.

Anheuser-Busch has acquired 29% of Harbin Brewery Group Ltd. for $139 million. The Chinese brewry produces Hapi beer brand.

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