Publicis Groupe Acquires Portfolio Leading South Korean Full Service Digital
Marketing Agency
Portfolio Becomes Publicis Modem Korea
PARIS, July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris:
FR0000130577) announced today the acquisition of Portfolio, one of Korea's
top digital marketing agencies. Portfolio is a pioneer in fully integrated
online services, and is widely celebrated for its innovative web-based
creativity and commitment to results. Portfolio will become part of Publicis
Modem, the digital arm of the Publicis Worldwide global network, and the
agency will be rebranded Publicis Modem Korea. Publicis Modem currently has
Asia offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Taiwan, and New
Delhi.
Founded in 1998, Portfolio provides complete digital services including
website development, website maintenance and marketing, online advertising
campaigns, search, database marketing, data tracking, analysis and
optimization. Portfolio's client roster includes a number of prominent Korean
and international brands such as Microsoft Korea, Prudential, Marriott
International, Nissan Korea, Estee Lauder, Woonjgin Group, Epson, Choongwae
Pharmaceutical Corp, Yuhan Kimberly and Nongsim Kellogg. Heewoon Park,
founder and CEO of Portfolio, will remain at the head of the agency.
The acquisition of Portfolio is in line with Publicis Groupe's strategy
of targeted acquisitions aimed at expanding its leadership in digital
communications and high growth markets. Digital advertising in Korea is a
thriving market. According to ZenithOptimedia, internet adspend grew nearly
40% in 2007 to take a 13.7% share of total adspend of nearly USD 10 billion.
By the end of 2007, there were 14.8 million broadband subscribers -
representing 78% of Korean households. Publicis Groupe is already present in
Korea through its major brands Publicis (Publicis Welcomm and Publicis
Dialog), Leo Burnett, Publicis Events Worldwide (Emotion), Saatchi & Saatchi
and Starcom MediaVest Group (SC Seoul).
Martin Reidy, CEO of Publicis Modem, stated, "Asia is a critical market
for Publicis Modem and a key part of our global expansion. We were committed
to finding a group with the passion, creative innovation and technical acumen
synonymous with the Publicis Modem brand. The team at Portfolio fit the bill
exactly. With the explosive growth in the region, this acquisition is an
incredible opportunity for everyone involved."
Arlene Ang, Regional Managing Director of Publicis Modem, added, "The
acquisition of Portfolio gives Publicis Modem access to the Korean market,
one of the world's fastest-growing markets in digital advertising and
communications. It also complements our successful start up of network
offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Taiwan, New Delhi, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Portfolio is arguably Korea's best agency specialized in web-based
communication, and we are thrilled to bring Heewon Park and his talented
teams on board."
Heewoon Park, CEO of Portfolio, commented, "Joining Publicis Groupe gives
us the international scale we've been looking for in order to best meet our
clients' needs in this increasingly globalized world. Right from the
beginning, we felt a very powerful fit with Publicis Modem. This is exciting
news for everyone at Portfolio, and we look forward to benefiting from the
added expertise, further scale, and global reach associated with this digital
powerhouse."
About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe (Euronext Paris: FR0000130577) 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, from advertising 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
About Publicis Modem
Publicis Modem is a global digital agency network that works with
world-class companies in more than 40 countries and has over 1,000 digital
employees. Publicis Modem offers a range of integrated marketing services,
including strategy and planning; award winning creative design and execution;
media research, planning and buying; search marketing; online and offline
direct marketing; and technology enablement. Publicis Modem is part of the
Publicis Worldwide network and a member of the Paris-based Publicis Groupe.
Web Site : http://www.publicismodem.com
About Portfolio
Founded in 1998, Portfolio employs 70 professionals and the agency is
known as one of the leading integrated web communications agencies in South
Korea. Portfolio is specialized in website building, website maintenance and
marketing, online advertising campaigns, search, database marketing, data
tracking, analysis and optimization. Clients include Microsoft Korea,
Prudential, Marriott International, Nissan Korea, Estee Lauder, Woonjgin
Group, Epson, Choongwae Pharmaceutical Corp, Yuhan Kimberly and Nongsim
Kellogg. Headquartered in Seoul, Portfolio is led by Heewon Park, who is also
the president of Korea Digital Agency Industrial Association.
Web Site : http://www.portfolioad.com
SOURCE Publicis Groupe Services
CONTACTS: Publicis Groupe, Peggy Nahmany, Corporate Communications,
+33(0)1-44-43-72-8; Martine Hue, Investor Relations, +33(0)1-44-43-65-00;
Publicis Modem, Janice Snook, +1-650-400-44-48; Publicis Modem Asia, Arlene
Ang, +65-64776309, Portfolio, Jina Jang, +82-2-2057-698
