Publicis Groupe in Strategic Joint Venture in China

Launches Saatchi & Saatchi Energy Source Integrated Interactive Solutions

PARIS, June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Publicis Groupe today announced
a new strategic joint venture between its global advertising network Saatchi
& Saatchi, and Energy Source, Chinese leader in interactive solutions. The
joint venture will be formed following various governmental approvals. The
agency will be called Saatchi & Saatchi Energy Source Integrated Interactive
Solutions and will capitalize on the combined strengths of Saatchi &
Saatchi's international scale and renowned creative expertise, as well as
Energy Source's digital and interactive capabilities, in order to provide
solutions to clients though a completely seamless holistic offering.
Based in Shanghai and Guangzhou, Saatchi & Saatchi Energy Source will
specialize in integrated interactive solutions, CRM centric marketing and
online PR. The client roster already includes prominent brands such as Mead
Johnson online communication, Nippon Paint Olympics campaign, Nissan CRM
solutions and Intel viral video campaign. Pully Chau, CEO of Saatchi &
Saatchi China, will chair this new structure, and Ken Ying, currently CEO of
Energy Source has been appointed as vice-Chairman. Anthony Yang, from Saatchi
& Saatchi, previously the Head of Interactive, will be the General Manager
and lead the joint venture.
China has one of the most dynamic advertising markets in the world.
According to ZenithOptimedia forecasts, the total China advertising industry
is anticipated to grow 25%, reaching USD 29 billion in 2008. Online
advertising is the fastest-growing medium (currently accounting for 7% of the
market and estimated at over USD 2 billion for 2008). The Beijing Olympics in
2008 and Shanghai World Expo in 2010 are likely to further stimulate high
demand for advertising. Although the agreement with Energy Source is a joint
venture and not an acquisition, it clearly demonstrates Publicis Groupe's
determination to strengthen its presence in this promising market. This move
follows Publicis Groupe's acquisition of Betterway Marketing Solutions and
Emotion events management group in 2006, Yong Yang and CCG in 2007, and, most
recently, EmporioAsia in 2008. The Groupe is present through all of its
global networks and brands and has over 3,000 employees in China.
"This is a revolutionary partnership of two very strong ideas companies
united by the dream of transforming China's digital landscape. Although
Saatchi & Saatchi and Energy Source come from very different backgrounds with
different credentials, we share a common commitment and determination to
provide best-in-class services to our clients. Our respective competencies
complement each other perfectly. This move will elevate the standard of
integrated interactive solutions and bring us powerful growth opportunities,"
said Pully Chau, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi China.
"Marketing today is all about being innovative, integrated and
interactive. In order to benefit from this new marketing solutions model,
companies need to find new ways of cooperating and collaborating. This joint
venture is a decisive step for us at Energy Source," exclaimed Ken Ying, CEO
of Energy Source Integrated Interactive Solutions. "We are thrilled to be
teaming up with the talent at Saatchi & Saatchi, and to tap into the
international scale of Publicis Groupe. There is no limit to the positive
synergies we will generate."
Energy Source Group is a leading digital marketing consulting company in
China. ES helps clients to strengthen their core competitive capability
through repositioning their business module through innovative operations.
Since its establishment in 2001, Energy Source has executed over 700
successful cases for more than 120 international and local clients, with an
annual turnover of 29 million US dollars. 240 employees from 20 different
fields are employed by ES to pursue the same dream - build the standard in
interactive industry. Energy Source stands firmly in the China market through
its own perspective towards the challenging world. The company has a strong
client network along with a high satisfaction rate. Abundant local experience
and international strategic partners has enabled Energy Source to become a
leader in the industry.
Web Site: http://www.energysource-cn.com Publicis Groupe is the world's
fourth largest communications group. In addition, it is ranked as the world's
second largest media counsel and buying group, and is a global leader in
digital and healthcare communications . With activities spanning 104
countries on five continents, the Groupe employs approximately 44,000
professionals. The Groupe offers local and international clients a complete
range of communication services, through three autonomous global advertising
networks, Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi and two multi-hub
networks, Fallon and 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty; to media consultancy and
buying, through two worldwide networks, Starcom MediaVest Group and
ZenithOptimedia; interactive and digital marketing led by Digitas;
Specialized Agencies and Marketing Services offering healthcare
communications, corporate and financial communications, sustainability
communications, shopper marketing, public relations, CRM and direct
marketing, event and sports marketing, and multicultural communications.
Web Site: http://www.publicisgroupe.com
SOURCE Publicis Groupe

CONTACTS: Publicis Groupe: Peggy Nahmany, External Communications:
+33(0)1-44-43-72-83; Martine Hue, Investors Relations: +33(0)1-44-43-65-00;
Saatchi & Saatchi: Anthony Yang, +8620-203-879-1228 ext 122; Energy Source:
Diana Jia +8621-6440-0297