• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, May 4, 2018

Dentsu Aegis Network has retained the huge Microsoft media assignment after a review that began late last year.

In its latest annual report, Microsoft said it recorded advertising expenses totaling $1.5 billion, $1.6 billion, and $1.9 billion in fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

News of the retention was first reported by Adweekearlier today.

Dentsu Aegis has handled the account since 2014. A dedicated unit at Interpublic’s McCann handles creative duties, which were not part of the review.

A Dentsu Aegis rep declined comment, referring queries to Microsoft.  

Kathleen Hall, corporate vice president, brand, advertising & research, Microsoft, issued a statement confirming the company's decision: “After completing a review of our global media agencies, we are extending our relationship with Dentsu Aegis.”

This story has been updated with a statement from Microsoft.