PARIS, April 18, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Publicis Groupe has
announced the acquisition of a further 11% in Brazil’s Talent Group, bringing
its stake up to 60%. The increased participation follows Publicis Groupe’s
acquisition of 49% of the agency in October 2010. This latest move does not
impact Talent management, and the agency remains under the leadership of
founding partners Julio Ribeiro and Paulo Zoega. Talent will continue to
align under the Publicis Worldwide global advertising network. Publicis
Groupe will be able to consolidate Talent in its numbers from April 5, 2011.

With more than 230 employees, Talent is one of the most prominent
advertising groups in Brazil, and provides advertising services such as
strategy, creative, media planning, digital communication, below-the-line,
promotion, activation and mass media communication. The agency services
clients such as Semp Toshiba (electronics), Santander (banking), Net (cable
TV, internet and telephone operator), Ipiranga (fuel), Tigre (PVC products),
Alpargatas (fashion), Dicico (home improvement), Serasa Experian (database
management), Jequiti Cosmeticos (beauty and health care), Mapfre (insurance),
Ovomaltine (food and beverage), Adria Alimentos (food) and Monsanto
(biotechnology).

This transaction is in line with Publicis Groupe’s strategy of targeted
acquisitions aimed at bolstering its presence in high-growth markets such as
Brazil. According to ZenithOptimedia forecasts (April 2011), Brazil ad
expenditure grew by 18.1% in 2010. The forecasts predict a 9.5% increase over
the course of 2011, followed by 7.0% and 7.2% growth in 2012 and 2013
respectively. Brazil is to become the sixth ad market in the world in 2011.

Publicis Groupe has close to 900 employees in Brazil and is present
through its global networks Leo Burnett, Publicis Worldwide, Saatchi &
Saatchi, VivaKi, and MSLGROUP.

Comments Jean-Yves Naouri, Chief Operating Officer Publicis Groupe &
Executive Chairman Publicis Worldwide, “Brazil is one of the most promising
markets in the world and Talent is one of the most accomplished agencies in
Brazil. This partnership will fuel growth for both partners and signals
Publicis Worldwide’s continued intent to build strength in fast moving BRIC
markets”.

About Publicis Groupe

Publicis Groupe [listed on the Euronext Paris Exchange – FR0000130577 –
and part of the CAC 40 index] is the world’s third largest communications
group. With activities spanning 104 countries on five continents, Publicis
Groupe employs approximately 49,000 professionals and offers local and
international clients a complete range of advertising services through three
global networks: Leo Burnett, Publicis, Saatchi & Saatchi, and numerous
agencies including Fallon, 49%-owned Bartle Bogle Hegarty, and Kaplan Thaler
Group. VivaKi combines digital and media expertise, allowing clients to
connect with consumers in a holistic way, with Starcom MediaVest Group and
ZenithOptimedia worldwide media networks; and interactive and digital
marketing led by Digitas and Razorfish networks. VivaKi develops new
services, tools, and next generation digital platforms. Publicis Groupe
offers healthcare communications with Publicis Healthcare Communications
Group (PHCG, the first global network in healthcare communications). And with
MSLGROUP, one of the world’s top five PR and Events networks, also provides
expertise in corporate and financial communications, public affairs,
branding, and social media marketing.

Website: http://www.publicisgroupe.com | Twitter: @PublicisGroupe |
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/publicisgroupe

About Publicis Worldwide

Publicis Worldwide ranks among the largest global marketing
communications companies. The network spans 82 countries with approximately
9,000 employees. Its total offering includes advertising; interactive and
digital marketing; CRM and direct marketing. Publicis’ blue-chip client
portfolio includes some of the world’s best known companies: Airbus,
Coca-Cola, HP, LG, L’Oreal, Luxottica, Nestle, Orange, P&G, PayPal, Renault,
Siemens, Pernod-Ricard, Sanofi-Aventis, UBS, Telefonica, Zurich.

    CONTACTS:
    Publicis Groupe
    Peggy Nahmany, Corporate Communication + 33-(0)1-44-43-72-83
    Martine Hue, Investor Relations + 33-(0)1-44-43-65-00

    Publicis Worldwide
    Sarah Hazell +44-(0)-207-830-3426

    Publicis Worldwide / Talent
    Rita Durigan +55-11-3169-9085

SOURCE Publicis Groupe