HEADLINES: Dentsu takes 20% share in BCom3

<p>Dentsu has signed an agreement to acquire a 20 per cent share of </p><p>BCom3, previously known as BDM, which was formed by the merger of The </p><p>Leo and MacManus Groups in January this year. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>BCom3's affiliate agencies include: Dentsu, Leo Burnett, D'Arcy, NW </p><p>Ayer, Bartle, Bogle and Hegarty, Starcom and MediaVest. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>As the majority shareholders, Dentsu will take two seats on the BCom3 </p><p>board of directors, which plans to list on the stock market in the </p><p>US. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"The Dentsu investment will give us needed capital to further fuel our </p><p>aggressive acquisition and diversification drive, ensuring we have the </p><p>necessary scale to compete in an industry that continues to </p><p>consolidate," said Mr Roger Haupt, BCom3 CEO. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>"At the same time, BCom3 will be positioned to provide Dentsu's clients </p><p>with increased resources worldwide as appropriate, assuming that </p><p>conflict is not an issue." </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>While BCom3's holding agencies, Burnett and D'Arcy, will operate as </p><p>separate entities in Japan, they will tap into Dentsu's media operation </p><p>on behalf of their clients. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>

by | 03/31/2000