27 November 2009
	PROFILE PUBLICIS

Type of agency Advertising Telephone (011) 519-1800 Website www.publicis.co.za Key person Marc Spriestersbach, MD Ownership Publicis Worldwide 51%; management 23%; staff BEE 26% Black equity 26% Accounts gained 0 Accounts lost 2 Clients 16 Staff 46 Biggest clients - L'Oréal, Renault, Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, Sanofi-aventis The loss of the Brutal Fruit and Cadbury accounts, after the agency felt it had contributed much to their brand positioning, was offset by additional work from existing clients, including the launch of four new Renault vehicle ranges. Staff numbers fell slightly during the year, but the agency says these were not retrenchments. Despite tough times, Publicis managed to increase income slightly. The organic growth that helped it achieve this owes much to the agency's relationship with long-term clients. However, Spriestersbach is under no illusions about the need to diversify. Most of its business comes from globally aligned accounts and he says SA-sourced accounts must be the main focus as it rebuilds. Expanding its service offering beyond traditional communications platforms is a priority.