Halifax sticks to ad course post merger

HBOS shareholders are due to vote on a merger with Lloyds TSB on 12 December, but incumbent agency DLKW has been instructed to continue on the assumption that a campaign will begin in February.

The TV marketing push will continue the strategy of featuring employees, but brand mascot Howard will be ditched.

Both Lloyds TSB marketing director Nigel Gilbert and Halifax's Philip Hanson have been interviewed for the top marketing role at what would be called Lloyds Banking Group.