FCB HIRED BY BALLY TOTAL FITNESS
By Adnews Staff
Foote, Cone & Belding has been hired to handle strategic marketing and advertising for Chicago-based Bally Total Fitness Corp.'s brands, including Bally Total Fitness, Gorilla Sports, Pinnacle Fitness, Bally Sports Clubs and Sports Clubs of Canada. FCB will also promote Bally's nutrition products, personal training and weight management programs. The agency's Chicago office was selected after informal discussions with several agencies over the last six months, said Sara Matheu, manager of public relations for Bally Total Fitness. Previously the company used various agencies on a project basis. Initiative Media of Chicago will continue to handle media planning and buying activities. The MWW Group of New Jersey will continue to handle public relations. Bally's Crunch Fitness brand is not included in FCB's assignment. Advertising for Crunch will continue to be handled by Dimassimo of New York.