Global advertising network Publicis has reported strong growth in its third quarter results, with revenues rising by 7.4% following a string of new business wins and an upbeat advertising market.
Announcing the results, Maurice Lévy, chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe, said: “We are understandably pleased with the performance of Publicis Groupe in the third quarter of 2005, coming as it does after an already robust first half. In New Business, too, we have gone from strength to strength, with recent wins promising a stream of sustained growth in the future.”
The company’s business in North America, Asia and Latin America was the principal driver in organic growth during the third quarter, while Europe made a positive but more modest contribution.
The improved performance reflected market share gained at the end of 2004 and at the beginning of this year, with benefits particularly apparent for media agencies, healthcare communications and advertising.
New business wins remained on track during the third quarter, building on the success of 2005’s first half. The company’s continued pace won Publicis Groupe top places in both Lehman Brothers’ and Bear Stearns’ rankings to the end of September.
New accounts booked by Publicis Group agencies in the quarter totaled a net $2.1 billion, setting the net total for first nine months at $8.2 billion, compared with $2.6 billion in the same period of 2004.
As well as the company’s increased revenues and new business, Q3 marked Publicis acquisition of the majority interest in UK public relations agency Freud Communications. The newly acquired firm will be integrated into Publicis Public Relations and Corporate Communications Group.
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