Bates Sees Potential Below The Line, In Creative

Looking to strengthen operations, Bates Worldwide last week unveiled organizational shifts with emphasis on below-the-line revenue and named a worldwide creative director.
While signalling a commitment to independence for the near future, Michael Bungey, chief executive of Bates parent Cordiant Communications Group, said the moves would better position the shop in any acquisition scenario. “We’re not worried about a hostile takeover. Way into the future, if we ever sit down and talk with anybody about a deal, it’ll be from a position of strength.”
Bungey has consistently denied talking with third parties about the acquisition of Bates.