COMMUNICATIONS REPORT: AT A GLANCE

Holding companies are buying nontraditional marketing firms at a record pace. Today, some companies derive more than 50 percent of their total revenue from “below-the-line” services. Here’s a look at the 10 most recent nonadvertising acquisitions (at least a 50 percent stake) by WPP, Omnicom and IPG. We also show how The Big Three have seen their nonadvertising revenue grow during the past five years.

WPP
Go Direct Marketing Direct marketing (April 2000)
Sifo Research Consulting Research and consulting (March 2000)
The Initiatives Group Marketing consultancy (January 2000)
Cybersoft Interactive (November 1999)
Feinstein Kean Partners Public relations (November 1999)
B/W/R Public Relations Public relations (October 1999)
The Brand Union Limited Corporate identity (October 1999)
Brindfors Design A.B.