BZZAGENT: is expanding its word-of-mouth network to the U.K. through a partnership with U.K.-based media firm GroupM UK. The two have a non-exclusive deal that establishes BzzAgent as an independent operator while giving GroupM UK a lead over other U.K. media agencies in establishing a word-of-mouth network. First work breaks this month. At the same time, BzzAgent is using its U.S. network to recruit new members in the U.K.: a “bzz” campaign that began last week asks current BzzAgent members to invite any friends or family in the U.K. to join. Boston-based BzzAgent has 250,000 registered consumers in the U.S., participating in marketing campaigns for 200 brands. WPP Group owns GroupM UK.
MINI USA: has teamed with Zannel, Inc. to extend the automaker’s Hammer & Coop Webisodes to mobile audiences. The popular Web series can be viewed on any mobile phone. To view the content, fans enter their cell phone number or log on to Zannel.com. The six-episode series launched in March online at HammerAndCoop.com. Zannel worked with Butler, Shine, Stern & Partners, Mini USA’s advertising agency on the deal.
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