Midas Selects DDB Chicago as Advertising Agency Partner

    ITASCA, Ill.--July 15, 2003--Midas, Inc. has selected DDB Chicago, Inc., as its lead national advertising agency following a two-month review. DDB will be responsible for advertising creative and production and will partner with Midas on strategy, research and marketing integration for the Midas system of nearly 1,700 automotive service centers in the United States.
    "DDB Chicago is a terrific agency with solid expertise in brand-building. Combined with its retail experience, this partnership will support our focus on growing the profitability of the Midas franchise system" said Rick Dow, Midas' senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "We know they will make significant contributions as our long-term partner as we expand the Midas business from our heritage of exhaust and brake service to being the trusted leader in auto maintenance."
    Dow said that DDB also brings to Midas a history of developing strong creative and working well with franchise organizations.
    "We are very excited to be part of the Midas team," said Bob Scarpelli, chairman of DDB Chicago. "We look forward to working with Midas and the franchisee community to further this great brand and help build relationships that deliver profitable results."
    Carat USA will continue as Midas' media planning and buying agency in the United States and Moroch will continue as the company's local marketing agency. Ogilvy & Mather Toronto is the national agency for Midas Canada.
    DDB Chicago is the largest DDB agency and is one of the world's most awarded agencies for creativity and effectiveness. Named 2003 Agency of the Year by the Clio Awards, DDB Chicago has a strong roster of clients including Anheuser-Busch, McDonald's, Dell, JCPenney, The Home Depot and Unilever.

    Midas is one of the world's largest providers of automotive service, offering exhaust, brake and maintenance services at 2,700 franchised, licensed and company-owned Midas shops in 19 countries, including 1,900 in the United States and Canada.