The agencies learned of the results on 25 April, according to a source. Bionet called for a creative pitch in late March. ADK has been working on Bionet’s creative account for over two years, with TV as the client’s main advertising channel. Previously, the client used a number of smaller agencies for small-scale BLT advertising projects.
A source close to the client said TV is still the major part of its advertising budget. “Bionet is biotechnology company specialized in R&D in the stem cells," the source said. "It is a leading player in this particular section. With only two or three big players, there is lots of potential, as their business is helping to save life.”
Bionet currently uses baseball players Chien-Ming Wang of the Washington Nationals as its brand ambassador. According to a 24 April article on Taiwan Focus news site, Wang has admitted an extra-marital affair two years ago. But Bionet said it will maintain its contract with Wang until it expires at the end of the year.
Bionet was founded in 1999 and recognized as the pioneer of cord blood private banking service in Taiwan. The company has gradually evolved into the two major categories within modern bio-technology, stem cell therapeutic application and genetic testing.
ADK Taiwan’s current healthcare client portfolio also includes Pfizer.