The Omnicom Group (NYSE:OMC) is the world's largest advertising agency holding company in terms of revenue (number two is WPP Group plc). Its major holdings include the advertising agency networks BBDO , TBWA Worldwide, and DDB Worldwide . Its portfolio of companies also includes public relations, lobbying, marketing services, interactive design , and media buying services .

Omnicom's marketing and public relations agency holdings are managed by its Diversified Agency Services division. Among Omnicom's PR agency holdings are Fleishman-Hillard, Ketchum Inc., and Porter Novelli .

Omnicom was formed in 1986 from the merger between advertising agency networks DDB Needham and BBDO . Sometimes referred to as the "Big-Bang" merger, it was spearheaded by BBDO Worldwide CEO Allen Rosenshine , who was responding to competitive threats from other large advertising agency comglomerates. In 1993 Omnicom acquired TBWA Worldwide , a major advertising agency network.

Quick facts

• Revenue (2004): 9747.20 M
• Employees (2004): 61,000
• Omnicom's CEO is John Wren. It is headquartered on Madison Avenue in New York City.

Competition

In order of revenue

• WPP Group PLC (NASDAQ:WPPGY)
• Interpublic Group (NYSE:IPG)
• Publicis Groupe (NYSE:PUB)
• Havas

External links

Company websites

• Official website

Data

• Yahoo! - Omnicom Group Inc. Company Profile

Productions

• DDB Stockholm won the TV Grand Prix in 1997 for a Diesel TV campaign