Taiwan ad scene abuzz with talk of BBDO buy-out

<p>TAIPEI: BBDO is reportedly in talks to buy Taiwan's largest local </p><p>boutique agency, Ideology. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Ideology chairman Sung-Mao Cheng, who in the past said he would never </p><p>sell out to a multinational group, has declined to confirm or deny the </p><p>report. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>However, industry sources said that the Omnicom-owned agency group was </p><p>looking to establish a stronger presence on the island and saw </p><p>opportunities in the current economic downturn that has affected </p><p>Taiwan. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Reports of the buyout talks come about four months after the local </p><p>agency laid off most of the staff at idcyber, its interactive </p><p>spin-off. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The unit has since been absorbed back into the mother agency after the </p><p>technology bubble burst. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Ideology is the 14th largest advertising agency in Taiwan, with billings </p><p>of NT$1.1 billion (about US$32 million), while BBDO is </p><p>ranked 35th, with billings of NT$350 million (US$10 </p><p>million). </p><p><BR><BR> </p>