Publicis, France's largest advertising group, declared a 54 per
cent rise in profits for the first half of the year, despite its June
takeover of Saatchi & Saatchi for US$2 billion. It said an
increased customer base and online activity were the main reasons behind
the rise in profits from E34 million to E52 million. Publicis chairman
Maurice Levy said full-year profits would rise at least 30 per cent, not
including earnings from the Saatchi business.
He said Publicis added 300 companies to its client list - representing
about US$1 billion in additional billings - including Citibank in
the US and the German Bundesbank, for which Publicis will manage a
campaign designed to raise awareness of the euro. The company has also
been buying more companies in the US, including Fallon McElligot, as
well as branching out into PR with the purchase of Winner & Associates.
Online projects have included a joint venture with IBM to tap Wap users.
