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Publicis acquires Rosetta

Publicis Groupe is continuing its digital push with the acquisition of digital marketing agency, Rosetta.

The addition of Rosetta to Publicis’ other digital businesses - which include Digitas, Razorfish and Publicis Modem - will significantly broaden Publicis’ digital and interactive marketing service offerings, bringing its annual revenue from digital activity to more than 30%.

One of the fastest growing digital market agencies in North America, Rosetta will continue to operate as a stand-alone brand within Publicis Groupe under the leadership of founder and chief executive, Chris Kuenne, who will report to Jean-Yves Naouri, chief operating officer, Publicis Groupe. Its clients include Allergan, HP, Johnson & Johnson, Marriot, RIM and T-Mobile.

The transaction, valued at $575m, is expected to close during Q2 or Q3 this year.

“The acquisition of Rosetta is a key next step in our strategy to become the ‘human, all digital agency group’,” said Maurice Levy, chairman and CEO, Publicis Groupe. “We aim to enrich our digital knowledge, capabilities in technology, marketing consulting, and digital strategy, and the creativity we offer to clients and advertisers. This is consistent with our commitment to anticipate and meet their needs in the rapidly-evolving advertising and marketing services landscape.”

The deal comes as the most recent ZenithOptimedia forecast predicts that the internet will overtake newspapers to become the world’s second-largest advertising medium in 2013.

Jenni Baker, London