Notes

Publicis has acquired the direct marketing company Gramercy Group Inc. and LobsenzStevens, a public relations firm, for an undisclosed amount. The two agencies will become part of Publicis Dialog, the marketing communications arm of Paris-based Publicis. Gramercy’s clients include Subway, Pfizer, Barnesandnoble.com and ABC Radio. LobsenzStevens clients include American Express and Remington Products. . . . J&B; Scotch has launched a Web site called Liquorfairy.com aimed at the twentysomething beer drinker. The site will have a section that allows visitors to download music. Similar promotions from other liquor brands have drawn controversy in the past from anti-alcohol activists who say they also appeal to underage drinkers. . . . St Louis Cardinal slugger Mark McGwire is the No. 1 seller of Pro Player Major League baseball merchandise, accounting for 20% of retail sales. From World Series champs the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter ranked first in merchandise sales and was fifth overall.