The significant debate which this campaign has fuelled required the organisers to investigate the entry and it was ascertained that the entry did not appear in media between the required deadline of 1st March 2007 and 30th April 2008 and so is ineligible. TBWA, who have supplied all relevant material requested, have concurred with the Festival that this is the correct course of action.

Commenting on the withdrawal, Terry Savage, Chairman of the Festival said "Whilst it is not our policy to discuss specific cases, if we have doubts about a specific entry for whatever reason we will fully investigate the matter to its conclusion. To be clear, some ads were withdrawn during the judging process whilst other entries are going through a similar checking process. It is important for the advertising and the awards industry that entries made comply fully with the rules and spirit of the Festival."

- Ends -

The 56th International Advertising Festival will be held 21-27 June 2009 in Cannes, France.

The International Advertising Festival - Cannes Lions - is the largest gathering of worldwide advertising professionals and advertisers as well as the most prestigious annual advertising awards. More than 10,000 registered delegates from 94 countries and around 12,000 total visitors from the advertising and allied industries attend this event to celebrate the best of creativity across all media mix, discuss industry issues and network with one another. Over 28,000 ads from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy, honouring the most creative TV/cinema, print, outdoor, interactive, radio, design, sales promotion, integrated advertising, as well as the best media and direct marketing solutions. A unique programme of high-profile seminars, workshops and keynote speakers, organised by some of the biggest names in the industry, are also presented.

For further information, please visit www.canneslions.com or contact:

Amanda Benfell, PR & Press Manager
Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival
Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London NW1 7EJ, United Kingdom
Tel: +44-20-7728 4040; Fax: +44-20-7728 4044;
E-mail: amandab@canneslions.com