Publicis is now the most valuable of the holding companies, new research has found.
The Paris-based agency has now overtaken rivals WPP and Omnicom to be the most valuable in terms of its stock market value.
In terms of actual staff and number of clients, WPP remains in the number one position.
According to a report on the UK trade site Campaign, Publicis has been the exemplary holding company during the pandemic.
In terms of stock market value, Publicis is now estimated to be worth $US16.3 billion ($A21.7 billion). WPP is second with a value of $US15.4 billion ($20.5 billion), Omnicom has a reported value of $US15.1 billion ($A20 billion) and Interpublic is worth $14.4 billion ($A19.1 billion)
As an interesting aside, WPP was worth $24 billion ($A32 billion) back in 2017.
WPP employs about 100,000 globally, Publicis around 80,000, Omnicom some 65,000 and Interpublic 54,000.
A fortnight ago, Publicis reported its Q3 revenues were up 11.3 per cent year-on-year.
The agency’s share price has also rode the global pandemic, falling to a low of €22 ($A34) to be now trading at €56 ($86).
Following the release of its Q3s, Publicis CEO Arthur Sadoun commented: “The continued outperformance of our data and tech capabilities once again demonstrated our ability to capture a disproportionate share of the shift in client investment towards digital media, commerce and DTC. This was particularly the case in the US, where Epsilon delivered 13 per cent and Publicis Sapient was at 20 per cent.
“Overall, 18 months after the beginning of the pandemic, we are emerging as a stronger group.
“Our differentiated go to market is allowing us to confirm our leadership position in new business. After wins in H1 including Samsung US, Stellantis globally, L’Oréal in China to name just a few, Q3 has been a busy quarter, with new wins like Ferrero, Planet Fitness, TD Bank and Walmart,” Sadoun said,
