Tele-Direct Publications is consolidating its English and French assignments with one shop.

Tele-Direct says it hopes to name the new agency for its $5-million account the first week in March.

Earlier this month, the company split with its agency of 16 years, McKim Baker Lovick/BBDO.

Jim Sweeney, director of communications for Tele-Direct, says the time was right for the company to look for a fresh advertising approach.

Five agencies have been invited to pitch, including Auger Babeux FCB of Montreal, Tele-Direct’s Quebec agency.

Also involved are Toronto agencies Leo Burnett, Cossette Communication-Marketing, MacLaren:Lintas and Young & Rubicam.

Toronto-based Tele-Direct publishes White and Yellow Pages directories for Bell Canada, and several other Canadian telephone companies. PS