5/20/08
Microsoft &Yahoo! are at it Again
Just three weeks ago Microsoft offered Yahoo! 44 billion for the full acquisition of the company. Although Yahoo! denied the offer, they are in talks once again. However, this time the proposal is for limited control by Microsoft leading to perhaps an alliance to compete against the 500lb gorilla Google.
Although, Yahoo! is working in the best interest of its stockholders, the search of ways to maximize strategic alternatives for Yahoo! against Google may be more advantageous if they combined their search businesses with Microsoft. This way it would head off the deal that Google has proposed to Yahoo! in taking over its search business most likely leaving Google with a dominant position in the market.
Phoenix Area to have Second Largest Ad Complex
Thirty large advertisement signs will be constructed into the "City Center" of Westgate, Arizona in the near future. The development 
is lead by Clear Channel Spectacolor, a division of Clear Channel Outdoor and will represent signs ranging as tall as 100 feet. This project will be considered the second largest to Times Square in New York City when it comes to signs and billboards within an area. City Council members look forward to the "Specatacular" complex in hopes that it will bring Glendale's Yucca District up to 22 million visitors per year and increase sales genereated as a result of the 6.5 million square feet of retail space.
The "City Center" will consist of movie theatres, shopping centers, residential spaces, retail spaces,office spaces, restaurants, and an 18,000 seat sports arena. The development is set to complete fourth quarter of 2008 during the fall season.
Kia Pokes Fun at Fuel Efficiency
In times of people sweating profusely at the pump, automobile company Kia has revealed a new marketing campaign in television, radio, and major publications touting fuel efficiency. Two vehicles, the Spectra and Sportage, will be highlighted in the advertisements boasting their 32 mpg ability. In one advertisement an oversized Kia Spectra is placed next to a now miniature gas station giving off the impression that gasoline is nothing major. Another advertisement shows how Kia owners forget which side to fill their tanks because they rarely get a chance to fill up their tanks. People need cars and are in the market making these harsh times perhaps more advantageous for Kia comparative to auto manufacturers who live by power or that “bigger is better.”
Boost Mobile is Rebranding
Sprint Nextel’s Boost Mobile is undergoing a rebranding effort that includes a sleek new logo that will portray Boost’s prepaid PayGo as a playfulbut yet styleful option. As a start 180 LA, an advertisement agency based out of Santa Monica, California, has been selected to lead marketing efforts across tele
vision, print, radio, and out-of-home advertising. 180 LA was selected as the best amongst 40 plus agencies that were given mock scenarios and assigned projects to determine which would be the best fit.