alongside WPP, Omnicom and Publicis. A one-time pioneer in the industry, it struggled for most of the early 2000s with challenges in different parts of its portfolio. Initially, these difficulties stemmed

losing out in reviews to rivals from WPP and Omnicom. Another huge blow was the loss of Unilever's $1.25bn media buying business in Western Europe at the end of 2004. Marie-Jose Forissier, global chair

buying up New York agency Altschiller in 1996 from Omnicom. At around the same time, George Hill left the business, leaving the tough, outspoken Jack Connors in sole charge. (Within the company, Connors

Luckily, parent group Omnicom agrees with this strategy, and this creatively led agency retains standalone status within the marketing giant's portfolio, allowed very much to go its own way, producing

based in Austin, Texas. It sits within Omnicom's portfolio of single brand agencies, alongside Martin Williams and Merkley & Partners. Although officially a standalone unit, it is increasingly aligned

and subsequently joined Omnicom). Tony Weisman quit mid-year to join client Dunkin' Donuts. Nigel Vaz, also CEO of Publicis.Sapient EMEA & APAC, became CEO of DigitasLBi for several months during 2017,

Saatchi's purchase of Bates and then the creation of Omnicom. Like other such combinations at the time it was designed to consolidate the two component agencies' respective strengths. Still based out

of the three main advertising networks within the Omnicom marketing services group, and it traditionally maintains a close working relationship within the group with other marketing services networks

with Omnicom and FCB's True North mentioned as the most likely partners. In June 1997, BJK&E CEO Peebler said he had declined an offer to sell out to Omnicom specifically because of the latter's proposal

biggest of the three main advertising networks in Omnicom's portfolio. The group has long held a commanding position as one of the world's most prestigious networks, with around 290 offices in more than