Publicis Backs Down From Aegis Take-Over

French advertising group, Publicis has announced that it has decided not to make an offer for Aegis, putting the end to weeks of speculation over the company’s intentions for the media and research group.

Publicis said in a statement that making an offer for Aegis was not “in the best interests of its shareholders.”

The group first showed interest in Aegis nearly three weeks ago, after offering 140p per share for the media and research group, valuing it at around £1.8 billion.

Publicis bowing out of the bidding war for Aegis will leave the path open for French entrepreneur and chairman of Havas, Vincent Bollore, who has been raising his stake in the company over the past weeks, increasing most recently to 17.38% from “almost 9%” (see Bollore Set To Increase Aegis Share Further).

At the end of last week, WPP also confirmed its interest in Aegis saying that it is considering a bid for the company, with its main interest in the Synovate market research operation (see WPP Confirms Interest In Aegis Research Arm).

However, although Aegis has confirmed that preliminary merger talks have been held with several potential bidders, the firm has stated that there can be “no certainty” that an offer for the company will result.

Aegis Group: 020 7070 7700 www.aegisplc.com