Merger developments

Directors of Interbrand Newell and Sorrell deny rumours that further senior Newell and Sorrell staff are planning to leave the combined consultancy following the merger.

Newell and Sorrell directors Piers Schmidt and Russell Lloyd left the group late last year, but are to be retained as consultants, says Interbrand Newell and Sorrell managing director Rita Clifton.

Director Simon Jones says non-executive directorships, such as those held by Michael Wolff and Anthony Simonds-Gooding, will be reviewed as part of the merger process.