IT may still be the silly season, but people in adland who normally talk sense are saying it.

So Publius had to ask some questions. But we were assured that there's no truth whatsoever to the rumour doing the rounds this summer that DDFH&B is in talks with Ireland's biggest independent group, McConnells, about a possible takeover.

DDFH&B, the Irish arm of JWT, is managed by the irrepressible Jim Donnelly, one of the initial two Ds. Donnelly categorically stated that there was no reason for the whispers that the two agency groups were about to become one. McConnells MD Jarlath Jennings said something similar, but admitted that he had heard some mutterings.

DDFH&B and its sister companies handle advertising, promotions, direct marketing and PR activity for Vodafone, Nestle and Failte Ireland. McConnells clients include Bus Eireann, BMW, Ballygowan, Dundrum Town Centre, ESB, Irish Distillers and the IDA.

McConnells and DDFH&B each handle Diageo and Unilever; both groups have worked for the National Lottery and Bord na Mona. Were a deal to be made, some juggling might be needed on the motor front, but the two would be in pole position for Topaz Energy.

DDFH&B has worked for Shell and McConnells for Statoil. A "nance creative account could be a target, despite McConnells having AIB media. McConnells has tried to sell to an international network to allow the McConnell family to dispose of their equity.

McConnells has long been regarded as one of the country's top agencies. Last year it had a poor run when it lost the Lottery, Kellogg's and AIB creative accounts to DDFH&B, Leo Burnett and Rothco respectively.

A deal with DDFH&B would come as John Fanning prepares to retire as McConnells' chairman. McConnells moves premises to Grand Canal Dock this week, but the crucial issue which would seal a deal with DDFH&B is the price Donnelly is willing to pay.

Remember, you read confirmation of the denials here first.

TROLLEY FLEET PUSHES VALUE

IN a week when Roy Keane wagged an accusing finger at the wives and girlfriends of overpaid footballers for being too keen on shopping, it's encouraging to see that some marketers on this island are putting their point-of-sale budget where it scores.

Visualise, agent for 30,000 panel ads on shopping trolleys in Dunnes Stores, Tesco and SuperValu, has issued some stats to convince non-POS advertisers of the error of their ways. The PopAds report was for Nestle Cereals such as Shredded Wheat and Cheerios.

Alison Healy, country manager, Nestle Cereals Ireland (NCI), compared shops with and without her trolley ads. Using EPOS data from the shops, NCI independently assessed the findings. Sales were reported to be up by 27% across three campaigns.

Visualise MD Ciaran FitzGerald, former Ireland and Lions captain, said that 75% of buying decisions are made in-store. He plans to add another 10,000 PopAd panels by the end of September, so we ought to brace ourselves for some in-store scrums.

LOCAL BLOGGER EXTENDS REACH

WITH the aim of bringing news on Web2.0 and mobile and spreading local activity to a bigger audience, blognation Ireland (ietech. blognation. com) has been launched by Conor O'Neill, the man behind the loudervoice. com consumer reviews site.

Speaking of reach, City Channel boss David Harvey plans to make Alex Gibson's Media Show available online. The move comes amid speculation that UPC, owner of Chorus NTL, may bid for City Channel.

DIET COKE'S GIRLIE CAN

ANN SUMMERS, you need to get into gear. Lisa O'Riordan has designs on dominating the world of lingerie and if her Itsy-Bitsy Thing with Polka-Dots creation for the Diet Coke limited edition can collection is a measure of her worth, the young Cork woman is set up.

O'Riordan has a business card which describes livebylove, available in Brown Thomas, as "an innovative range of underwear designed for self expression."

Just as well, as words at times leave Publius feeling a little exposed.

Michael Cullen is editor of Marketing magazine; cullen@marketing. ie

Richard Delevan is on leave