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| Mark Read |
WPP reported a 3.8 percent jump to $3.5B in adjusted like-for-like revenues as clients bolstered investments in marketing, ecommerce and digital transformation.
The PR/PA group, which includes Hill+Knowlton Strategies, BCW, Ogilvy and FGS Global, posted 5.8 percent growth to $343M.
"It’s been another strong quarter for our public relations business, CEO Mark Reed told O'Dwyer's. "Each of BCW, FGS Global and Hill and Knowlton have seen strong demand from their clients for their expertise. It’s not a surprise given the talented people inside each firm, but reassuring nonetheless and a sign of the importance of managing reputation."
WPP bolstered the PR operation during the quarter via the acquisition of the JeffreyGroup, which has 330 people and a strong Latin American network.
Read said WPP chalked up $1.7B in net new business during the quarter, including assignments from SC Johnson, Nestle and Samsung.
He credits the new business success to strong creative work, strength in media and the ability to deliver integrated solutions to clients.
Read upped full-year guidance to 6.5-7.0 percent from 6.0-7.0 percent.
Public Policy Holding Company registered 23.8 percent Q3 growth to $48.8M, with organic growth contributing 4.5 percent and the balance driven by merger & acquisition activity.
Publicis Groupe reported 3.1 percent in Q3 growth to $4B, sparked by a 3.6 percent jump North America, its biggest market.
WPP suffered a 10.2 percent drop in 1H revenues to $6.7B and a 47.8 percent plunge in operating profit to $297M.
Interpublic reported Q2 net revenues dropped 6.6 percent to $2.2B and operating income tumbled 23.4 percent to $243.7M. 
WPP has adopted a gloomier profit and sales forecast due to a deteriorating Q2 financial performance triggered by weak client spending as companies cope with the challenging economic backdrop.
