Publicis Groupe will take a majority in the JV, which will operate as a separate agency to Saatchis and Energy Source. “It will mainly look at interactive creative, integration and CRM,” said a source.
Energy Source counts more than 250 staffers at its Shanghai base. In particular, one of its key clients is Volkswagen, which is also one of Saatchis China’s longest-running relationships.
The agency’s CEO Ken Ying (pictured) said the new partnership would be “complementary”.
“(Saatchis CEO) Pully Chau and I are both Buddhist,” said Ying. “This partnership will integrate the strengths of our companies.”
Another source added that the JV made sense given Energy Source’s price tag. The development comes as Leo Burnett acquires Shanghai digital outfit EmporioAsia, which will now be known as EmporioAsia Leo Burnett.
Publicis Groupe inks China digital deals
SHANGHAI - Publicis Groupe agency Saatchi & Saatchi is finalising a joint venture deal with Energy Source, China's biggest independent digital agency.
