Following last week's £333m acquisition of Amsterdam-based LBi, Publicis Groupe chairman and chief executive Maurice Lévy has announced the merger of the two agencies to create a new global network branded DigitasLBi.
Described as "the largest, most complete concentration of digital skills and competencies in the world" by Mr. Lévy, the cohesion of these digital leaders will combine the market dominance of Digitas in North America and LBi in Europe to create a comprehensive global output. With estimated combined revenues of $828 million in 2011, Publicis' latest big-money venture could be their most rewarding yet.



“Advertisers need a truly integrated and global digital network that can anticipate trends, forecast the ‘next’, while constantly innovating in our ever-changing world,” explained Maurice Lévy, Chairman and CEO of Publicis Groupe. 

“The combination of Digitas and LBi will create the world’s leading concentration of digital skills and competencies in the world, capable of delivering solutions to all clients, everywhere.


I’m very happy that Luke will be managing this new global network. I’m sure that he will bring innovative vision and market-defining services to our clients, and this is and will always be our relentless focus. The formation of DigitasLBi is an essential landmark. It will certainly be the most competitive, attractive network in the market for both clients and talent."

Luke Taylor, chief executive of LBi, has been appointed as the global chief executive of the new network, which will employ 5,700 staff in 25 countries.

He said: "DigitasLBi represents the first time that insight, content and distribution has been brought together in one agency, providing clients with a truly integrated, best-in-class, global offering."