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Inventory of the J. Walter Thompson Company. John R. Maher Papers, 1970-1987 and undated

Abstract

Founded in 1864, the J. Walter Thompson company (JWT) is one of the oldest and largest enduring advertising agencies in the United States. John R. Maher was an executive for JWT specializing in corporate development as well as account management.

The John R. Maher Papers date from 1974 through 1986, with the bulk of the material spanning 1985-1986, roughly the period during which Maher managed corporate development for JWT. The collection contains information regarding companies proposed for acquisition by JWT; details from the acquisition of Winona Research; research and presentations regarding the state of advertising in China; strategic planning information for JWT Group and its subsidiaries; as well as some information about mega mergers and so called mega agencies. The materials include correspondence, reports, news clippings, presentation slides, corporate logos, contracts, financial documents, revenue projections, and promotional brochures. Companies mentioned in the files include Hill & Knowlton; Gallop Organization; Kobs and Brady; Simmons Market Research Bureau; and Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby. Acquired as part of the John W. Hartman Center for Sales, Advertising & Marketing History.

Descriptive Summary

Repository
David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University
Creator
J. Walter Thompson Company.
Title
J. Walter Thompson Company. John R. Maher Papers, 1970-1987 and undated
Language of Material
English
Extent
3 Linear Feet, 2100 Items
Location
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.

Series Quick Links

Collection Overview

The John R. Maher Papers date from 1974 through 1986, with the bulk of the material spanning 1985-1986, roughly the period during which Maher managed corporate development for JWT. The collection contains information regarding companies proposed for acquisition by JWT; details from the acquisition of Winona Research; research and presentations regarding the state of advertising in China; strategic planning information for JWT Group and its subsidiaries; as well as some information about “mega mergers” and so called “mega agencies.” The materials include correspondence, reports, news clippings, presentation slides, corporate logos, contracts, financial documents, revenue projections, and promotional brochures. Companies mentioned in the files include Hill & Knowlton; Gallop Organization; Kobs and Brady; Simmons Market Research Bureau; and Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby.

Administrative Information

Collections are on the move for the renovation of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Contact Rubenstein Library staff before visiting. Read More »

warning Access Restrictions

Collection is open for research.

However, collection may contain materials to which the Acknowledgment of Legal Responsibilities and Privacy Rights form applies. Patrons must sign this form before using this collection.

Also, all or portions of this collection may be housed off-site in Duke University's Library Service Center. Consequently, there may be a 24-hour delay in obtaining these materials.

Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library to use this collection.

warning Use Restrictions

The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to Duke University. For more information, consult the copyright section of the Regulations and Procedures of the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

Contents of the Collection

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Contains information regarding companies proposed for acquisition by JWT; details from the acquisition of Winona Research; research and presentations regarding the state of advertising in China; strategic planning information for JWT Group and its subsidiaries; as well as some information about mega mergers and so called mega agencies. Materials include correspondence, notes, reports, news clippings, presentation slides, logos, contracts, financial documents, revenue projections, and promotional brochures.

Contains research materials on advertising in China, including news clippings; reports; materials related to preparing a trip to China; slides from a presentation given on advertising in China; and information about JWT client activity in China.

China research communications and planning, 1985-1986
Box 1
China research materials, 1979-1985
(2 folders)
Box 1
JWT Client Involvement in China and Communications Report, 1985
Box 1
Presentation printouts and slides, 1985 Sept. 12
Box 1
Advertising Review and Opportunities for JWT, report, 1985 June 21
(2 folders)
Box 1
Roy Glah clippings and correspondence, 1977-1982
Box 1
Hill and Knowlton lobbying, circa 1985
Box 1
JWT Compant Germany, organizational research and evaluations, 1975-1986
(2 folders)
Box 1
Kellogg: Compensation study and reports, 1985
Box 2
Mega agency presentation and clippings, 1986
Box 2
Mega agency presentation text and printed slides, 1986
Box 2
Mega mergers, clippings and handwritten notes, 1974-1986 and undated
Box 2
MRB Group startup materials, correspondence, logo artwork, policies, planning and clippings, 1984-1986 and undated
Box 2
Network Television Today and Tomorrow speech, 1985
Box 2

Contains information regarding companies JWT either considered or attempted to acquire. Acquisition papers include correspondence; company financial statements; revenue projections; “authorization to negotiate acquisition” forms; company research; clippings; acquisition strategy information; and promotional materials.

Gallop Organization acquisition papers, 1982-1985
Box 2
Hank Meyers associates, Inc. acquisition papers, 1981-1986
Box 2
Kobs and Brady acquistion papers, 1984-1986
(2 folders)
Box 2
Krupp Taylor acquisition papers, 1984-1986
Box 3
Overview of acquisition candidates, acquistion papers, 1985-1986
(2 folders)
Box 3
Research for acquisition candidates, 1983-1985
Box 3
Response Communications, Inc. acquisition papers, 1981-1985
Box 3
Ted Thomas Associates, Inc. acquisition papers, 1982-1986
Box 3
Towers, Perrin, Forster & Crosby acquistion papers, 1984-1986
Box 3
William Douglas McAdams, Inc. acquistion papers, 1985-1986
Box 3

Contains strategic planning and review documents and presentations regarding JWT Group and its subsidiaries.

Hill and Knowlton Strategic Plan for years 1986-1988, undated
Box 3
Investment research reports, background data, 1986
(2 folders)
Box 4
JWT Company Marketing Plan for 1985-1987 and Strategic Review for Operations Committee meeting, 1985
Box 4
JWT Company Strategic Plan and Review for 1985-1987, 1985 Sept. 17
Box 4
JWT Company Strategic Plan presentation to Executive Committee, 1986 Aug.-Sept.
Box 4
JWT Group Strategic Plan for Board of Directors meeting, 1985 Dec. 3
Box 4
JWT Group Strategic Review and Plan for Board of Directors meeting, 1985 Dec. 3
Box 4
JWT Group Strategic Review, circa 1986
Box 4
Lord, Geller, Federico, Einstein, Inc. Strategic Plan Review presentation, 1985 June 26
Box 4
Simmons Market Research Bureau, Strategic Plan Review presentation, 1985 May 28
Box 4
Texas expansion research and reports, 1983-1985
Box 4
USA Brand Leadership Report, clippings, and notes, 1981-1984
Box 4

Contains acquisiton papers and contracts from the acquisition of Winona Research by JWT, including correspondence; company financial statements; revenue projections; “authorization to negotiate acquisition” forms; company research; clippings; acquisition strategy information; and promotional materials.

Acquistion papers and contracts, 1986
Box 5
Company financial documents, 1982-1985
Box 5
Due dilligence review by Price Waterhouse, 1986
Box 5
Purchase agreement drafts, 1986
(2 folders)
Box 5

Historical Note

DateEvent(s)
March 9, 1932Born, Brooklyn, NY
1953-1956Served in U.S. Navy
1962Account Supervisor, Benton & Bowles
1967Director of Advertising and Promotion, Continental Airlines
1974Account Director, J. Walter Thompson Company (JWT)
1976General Manager, JWT Washington Office
1979Deputy Manager, JWT North American Operations (New York Office)
1981Senior Vice President, JWT Operations
1982Group Account Director, JWT
1985Placed in charge of Corporate Development, JWT Group
1986Market Research Bureau (MRB Group) acquires Winona Research
1987Elected Vice President of MRB Group

Subject Headings

Related Material

Related Material

Related materials can be found in the following Hartman Cetner Collections of the J. Walter thompson Company Archives:

Biographical Information, 1916-1998, bulk 1960s-1980s

Frankfurt Office. Advertisements Collection, 1950-1991 and undated

Iconographic Collection, 1848-2005 and undated

Writings and Speeches, 1912-2000 and undated

Additional related material may be located in:

Bates Worldwide, Inc. Records, 1943-2003 and undated

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], J. Walter Thompson Company. John R. Maher Papers, David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library

Provenance

The J. Walter Thompson Company. John R. Maher Papers were received by the David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library as a transfer in 1987.

Processing Information

Processed by Molly Bragg, March 2010

Encoded by Molly Bragg, March 2010

Accession 870330 is described in this finding aid.

Descriptive sources and standards used to create this inventory: DACS, EAD, NCEAD guidelines, and local Style Guide.

This finding aid is NCEAD compliant.