Publicis posted second quarter revenue of €2.4B euro, up 0.9% over a year earlier, as exchange rates took a 3.5% bite and European and emerging market growth offset slower business in North America.
The marketing conglomerate said organic growth climbed 2.7% for the period on the strength of digital (+5.1%), although North American business fell 0.1% organically and declined 0.3% overall to €1.3B.
Levy said he expects the third quarter to be more difficult as 2015 media account losses are felt. He doesn't see a heavy impact from Brexit as Publicis operates in the UK in its local currency.
Net income for the first half of the year rose 5% to €381M.
Levy plans to give up the CEO reins next year with a successor to be named in late 2016 or early 2016.
Publicis owns MSLGroup.
In today’s highly competitive marketplace, ad agencies are increasingly leveraging the power of public relations to build reputations, shape narratives, reinforce areas of expertise, and create content.
