Bates, Brouillard: A Conflict-Free Fit

Sizable public relations offerings at both agencies and a lack of conflicts led WPP Group to make Bates Southwest Advertising & Public Relations part of Brouillard Communications, agency officials said last week.

On Jan. 1, Bates SW in Houston will become New York-based Brouillard’s fifth office and add $55 million to the shop’s existing $100 million in billings. The office, whose name will change to Brouillard, will continue to be led by president Judi Martin, who becomes managing director/general manager, reporting to Brouillard president and CEO Bill Lyddan in New York.

Talks to make the office part of Brouillard began three weeks after WPP’s Aug.