Bozell chief executive denies `for sale’ rumours

Charles Peebler, chief executive officer of Bozell Jacobs Kenyon & Eckhardt, has denied speculation that the Bozell network is up for sale.

Charles Peebler, chief executive officer of Bozell Jacobs Kenyon & Eckhardt, has denied speculation that the Bozell network is up for sale.

Peebler was rumoured to be in talks with Omnicom, which announced the merging of Chiat Day with its TBWA network earlier this month, and WPP over selling off the Bozell network, including the DFSD Bozell agency in the UK.

This week Peebler denied acquisition talks had taken place with either group, saying “We are not in any discussion to sell the agency.” He admits meeting WPP but told Marketing Week: “My biggest client is Chrysler. WPP’s biggest client is Ford. It is ludicrous that we are even contemplating it.”

However, Peebler comfirms that Bozell is on the acquisition trail. “The next news from us is likely to be another acquisition,” says Peebler. He adds that Bozell is in talks with three other companies, but will not name them. According to US press reports Bozell Worldwide is in discussion with another Chrysler agency, Ross Roy Communications.

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