PARIS, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Publicis Groupe announced
today that it has agreed to sell its shares in Freud Communications to the
agency’s Founder and Chairman, Matthew Freud. Since 2005, Publicis Groupe has
owned a majority stake in the UK public relations firm. Publicis Groupe will
continue to provide clients in the UK and globally with the complete range of
services in branding and public relations through agencies within its global
PR network MSLGROUP.

Said Olivier Fleurot, CEO of MSLGROUP, “I enjoyed working with Matthew
and I have a lot of respect for his skills. We wish him success in his future
endeavors.”

Nicola Howson, CEO of Freud Communications, added, “We are grateful for
the support of Publicis Groupe as a shareholder since 2005 and look forward
to our future as an independently owned company.”

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

    CONTACTS

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

    Freud Communications
    Nicola Howson +44(0)203-003-6466

SOURCE Publicis Groupe