Publicis Groupe posts strong growth

Advertising group Publicis has reported a stronger than forecast 15% rise in profits during 2006 to 443m euros (£298m), from 386m euros (£260m) in 2005. Operating proft for the full year was 713m euros (£480m), up 10% from 649m euros (£437m) a year earlier.

The group has announced its intentions to boost its business in fast-growing markets outside the US and Europe and grow its digital operations. It expects a further acceleration in emerging markets where it will continue to make acquisitions as opportunities arise, aiming to account for a quarter of total revenues by 2010 from these regions.