Strong results for WPP, Omnicom

WPP has reported strong growth in the branding and identity divisions of the group, highlighting Landor Associates, Fitch London, Addison Corporate Marketing and The Partners as having performed particularly well in the UK last year.

The marketing services giant’s branding and identity, healthcare and specialist communications segment – which accounts for more than a quarter of its revenues – displayed a healthy 14.6 per cent rise in constant currency for the year ending 31 December 2004. This is the largest segmental revenue growth rate for the company, driven in particular by healthcare, direct marketing, Internet and interactive businesses.

Enterprise IG New York was also listed as having a strong year, although the London operation was not mentioned specifically.

WPP as a whole posted revenue growth of 11.4 per cent, with pre-tax profits jumping by more than 30 per cent in real terms to £457m. The board said the global economy continued to strengthen last year and further improvements are expected in 2005.

Revenue growth in the UK came in at 9.6 per cent, just behind the US’s 9.7 per cent.

WPP rival Omnicom also reported full-year results last week. Its global revenue was up by 13 per cent, with its specialty division showing 17.6 per cent growth.

Omnicom’s Diversified Agency Services group, under the specialty umbrella, is home to Interbrand and Wolff Olins in the UK.