Dentsu Y&R and Wunderman Dentsu to merge, combine branding and data expertise

The name of the new entity has yet to be finalised, but is expected to be Dentsu Young & Rubicam/Wunderman Inc. It will be led by Yoichi Inose, who is currently president and chief executive of Dentsu Y&R. The next move of Wunderman Dentsu president and chief executive Kensuke Noguchi is not clear.

Dentsu Young & Rubicam has been in operation since 1981 as a joint-venture between Dentsu and Y&R. Wunderman Dentsu was established as a joint-venture in 1985 as a direct marketing agency.

Dentsu said in its statement that the companies’ merger “will enable streamlined operations and the development of integrated services that leverage the respective business bases”.

It said the result would include the “provision of data services with an increased competitive edge”. Representatives from Dentsu Y&R were unable to provide further information as to how the two companies will work together.