Rivals Mull Battle With Publicis Over Aegis

The merger discussions currently being held between media giant Aegis and French prospector Publicis have led to a number of interested parties consulting with advisers, sparking rumours of an impending tussle for control of the firm amongst city insiders.

Reports over the weekend claimed that British market research specialist Taylor Nelson Sofres, American-owned Omnicom and French firm Ipsos are all mulling an approach for Aegis, which owns the Carat and Vizeum media buying brands, along with Posterscope.

Elsewhere City sources told The Business that, despite Sir Martin Sorrell’s WPP being a likely contender to swallow Aegis whole, the high profile media figure has shown little interest in the possibility of a sale.

Meanwhile, Omnicom’s interest is understood to be minor following a failed bid for Aegis earlier this year, leaving research rivals Taylor Nelson Sofres and Ipsos as front runners to upset Publicis’ acquisition proceedings.

Last week saw Publicis confirm its intentions towards Aegis, revealing that the two firms had held “preliminary conversations” about an offer for takeover of the company (see Publicis Confirms Aegis Bid Rumours).

Aegis Group: 020 7070 7700 www.aegisplc.com Publicis Groupe: www.publicis.com