Chief Marketer Staff

• Digital

  Apollo Group Acquires Aptimus

  Apollo Group Inc., a provider of educational services, has acquired Aptimus Inc., an online advertising network, for about $48 million.

• Agencies

  DM Mergers and Acquisitions Rise in First Half

  Merger and acquisition activity in the direct marketing industry increased exponentially in the first half of 2007, according to Petsky Prunier, an investment bank.

• Agencies

  USPS Reports Net Loss of $659 Million

  The U.S. Postal Service posted a net loss of $659 million for the third quarter.

• Lenox Group Narrows Losses

  Lenox Group Inc. posted a net loss of $11.3 million for the second quarter compared with a net loss of $41.2 million in the prior year.

• Agencies

  Quebecor Losses Deepen in Quarter

  Quebecor World Inc. reported a net loss of $21.1 million for the second quarter, compared to a net loss of $6.5 million last year.

• Agencies

  Pringles Tour Promotes New Crackers

  Pringles is hitting the road to sample its new snack, Pringles Stix, and to promote a sweepstakes

• Saturation Turns GM From Olympic Sponsorship

  General Motors is withdrawing from its long-standing Olympics sponsorship after the 2008 Beijing summer games, believing its already reaching that Olympics audience with its current marketing.

• Agencies

  Zizzle Pushes New Button Maker Via Sweepstakes

  Toy developer Zizzle is promoting a new toy with chances to win the device.

• Team Baby Entertainment Signs First Promo Agency

  Team Baby Entertainment has signed on agency 206 to handle promotional and brand marketing efforts for the sports entertainment company.

• News Briefs

  GOLD’S GYM: recruited University of Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino to help promote the opening of its new 65,000-square foot facility in Louisville. Pitino will be giving away autographed basketballs at a grand opening event on Aug. 11.