Interpublic’s PR revenues rose at a “double-digit clip” during the fourth-quarter, bolstered by strong results in the U.S., Brazil and across Asia, according to Andy Polansky, CEO of Weber Shandwick, PR flagship of the communications combine.
The WS, GolinHarris and DeVries-led PR arm of IPG’s constituency management group was up in “high single digit” range for the full-year.
Polansky, who took over in November 2012, said creation of Weber Shandwick’s MediaCo content offering was among highlights of the year.
The unit consists of 300 staffers including former journalists, editors, designers, video producers, media planners and search pros to develop “completing story propositions “ for clients.
Chobani, Kohl’s and PhRMA were among big PR wins for WS.
IPG’s Q4 net income tumbled 37 percent to $212M on a 2.9 percent revenue uptick to $2.1B.
Full-year net dropped 38 percent to $288.9M on a 2.4 percent revenue rise to $6.5B.
A $60.6M restructuring charge to “better align” costs in Continental Europe impacted that performance.
CEO Michael Roth said IPG’s results were hampered as “results in Europe fell short of expectations.”
He expects a rebound due to “competitiveness of the new business front” and the “strategic cost reductions” taken in 2013.
Those cuts will generate a $40M savings this year.
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