BMW, Coca-Cola, Miller, Nike, Pepsi, State Farm
Insurance and Timex have become advertisers on ESPNEWS
(ESPNEWS). ...BUSINESS WEEK ranks the "BUSINESS WEEK 50,"
the "best overall performers among the S&P 500 companies."
Nike is listed No. 7, while Coca-Cola is ranked No. 25
(BUSINESS WEEK, 3/24 issue)...BRANDWEEK puts the new MLS ad
campaign from McCann-Erickson at $2M (BRANDWEEK,
3/17)....Analysts say the future for the overall athletic
shoe industry remains "strong" after a "robust" '96,
according to James Peltz of the L.A. TIMES. Converse is "in
the midst of a sizzling comeback," and even a "few of the
industry's smaller, niche players also are nicely ahead,"
including K-Swiss. However, San Francisco-based Montgomery
Securities' Alice Ruth downgraded Nike shares to hold
because she foresees Nike's growth "slowing" (L.A. TIMES,
3/18)....L.A.-based Ticketmaster said earnings for the
quarter ended January 31, prior to interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization, in the quarter ended January
31 were $9.2M, more than five times the $1.6M in the fourth
quarter a year earlier (L.A. TIMES, 3/18).