Publicis’ Michael Rebelo: Classic agency M&A no longer a priority

Publicis Group is shifting away from acquiring traditional creative and media agencies in Australia, pointing to a shrinking market and a broader slowdown in holding company dealmaking.

Speaking on the Mumbrellacast, Publicis Group ANZ CEO Michael Rebelo said the network had fielded approaches from independent agencies, but was no longer prioritising classic agency acquisitions.

“We’ve had a number of independent agencies calling to see if we had an appetite,” he said. “But right now we are looking for different things.”