Publicis Eyes Benefits Of FCA Acquisition: New Network Should Support Existing Relationships, Draw New Business By Daniel Tille

PARIS - According to Publicis chairman and ceo Maurice Levy, the acquisition of Group

Last Monday’s press conference announcing the long-rumored acquisition of FCA (ADWEEK, Sept. 13), which bills $167.3 million, by Publicis/FCB will have little impact on overall agency rankings in Europe.
When the equity buyout of the holding company Groupe FCA is completed by year’s end, Publicis, which currently bills $1.2 billion, will still be one of the largest communications groups in France and the Continent, second only to Euro RSCG.
Referring to this as a ‘defensive strategy,’ Levy offered ‘offensive’ thinking for the merger as well.