The firm, K2, was founded by Jeremy and Jules Kroll, who made their name for their success in uncovering corporate fraud and finding for assets hidden by the likes of Saddam Hussein and Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos.
In addition to K2, the ANA has hired Ebiquity, one of the leading media auditors in the marketing industry.
"We believe ANA’s objectives will be best facilitated by combining a company that specializes in business examination and fact-finding with a firm that knows the industry and has superb awareness of media transparency issues," said Bob Liodice, ANA president and CEO.
The ANA is proceeding with the study without the involvement of the American Association of Advertising Agencies (also known as the 4A's), with which it has previously collaborated on transparency initiatives.
Nancy Hill, president and CEO of the 4A's, said: "While the 4A’s favoured the continuity and effectiveness of our joint efforts, the ANA has decided to move forward with its solo sponsorship of a fact-finding initiative into agency media practices."
US advertiser body hires investigators to probe agency rebate allegations
The Association of National Advertisers (ANA), the US equivalent to ISBA, has hired a heavyweight corporate investigatory firm to look into allegations that media agencies' spending of client money is influenced by undisclosed rebates from media owners.
