Publicis revenue lifts 14.9 per cent for first half of 2010

The breakdown of consolidated revenue for the first half of 2010 is as follows: 33 per cent from advertising, 20 per cent from media and 47 per cent from specialised agencies and marketing services (including digital activities).

First half growth reflects the strong recovery in advertising expenditure after the record slump triggered by the 2009 economic crisis. The larger networks, in particular Leo Burnett and Publicis Worldwide along with VivaKi, made the most of the upturn. Digital activities maintained their strong growth trend.

Maurice Levy, chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe, said, "With organic growth of 7.1 per cent for the second quarter of 2010 and 5.3 per cent for the half-year, an operating margin of 14.5 per cent and net income up by 27.5 per cent, Publicis Groupe has once again given proof of its energy and ability to create value, even in the aftermath of the worst global economic crisis in many years."

He added, "This growth is the result of a strategy that has been effectively executed over a number of years. We were quick to take the digital route, gaining a decisive lead over our competitors and providing clients with the best and most innovative solutions for the new landscape being shaped by the explosion of digital technology."

The group also opted for expansion in emerging markets. The economic crisis may have slowed the pace of their growth, but ZenithOptimedia's latest estimates for 2011 and 2012 bode well for strong growth.

The Asia Pacific is growing again, thanks largely to India, Korea and China in particular returning to high growth.

The release also pointed out that tight cost containment since the end of 2008 and strong growth in revenue have boosted operating margins to an impressive 14.5 per cent, despite the fact that Razorfish is still in the integration phase with a margin that, while improving, is still well below average for the Groupe.