Group Press Releases
Announcement of Vizeum
16 June 2003
A Major New Independent Media Network
Vizeum, Aegis Group plc’s new independent media network, announced today the beginning of its phased launch. Vizeum brings together 17 of Aegis’ established national media agencies currently outside the Carat network into a new international communications planning and buying network. The network has immediate critical mass with over 200 clients and combined billings of more than $1.5bn.
Building on the existing strength of these media operations, Vizeum provides advertisers with a choice when seeking independent advice and international reach in communications planning and buying. It offers brand owners a fresh perspective on the dynamic media environment by looking at new and innovative ways to utilise their communication budgets, based on its understanding of how brands connect with consumers through media.
The “connection” between a brand and a consumer occurs on several levels: how the message is sent and received, how the meaning is translated and how the consumer responds. Vizeum’s goal is to combine an in-depth knowledge of the media market with developments in consumer psychology to provide brand owners with communications planning and buying services designed to maximise the impact of this “connection”.
The Vizeum network initially comprises 17 agencies - including BBJ in the UK - across Europe, all of which are being renamed Vizeum. A progressive rollout across Asia-Pacific and North America is planned for the latter part of the year.
Eric Drancourt, Chief Executive, and Martyn Rattle, Chief Operating Officer – both of whom have held senior international management positions within the Aegis Group - head the network’s management team. National agency heads, including Trista Grant in the UK, will be responsible for the day to day running of the national Vizeum offices.
Vizeum enjoys the support of the world-class systems, scale and negotiating power of Aegis Media, the recently formed platform for all of the Aegis Group’s media operations.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Eric Drancourt said:
“Today, clients are increasingly seeking truly independent media advice. They are totally focused on value and effectiveness – optimising the performance of their international communications budgets. But this is only possible where media is freed from the constraints of defending creative solutions and is allowed to influence the marketing strategy. Yesterday there was only one truly independent international media network. As of today the choice for brand owners has doubled.
“In an increasingly complex world, brand positioning is more important than ever. Consumers are more difficult to reach and are demanding more from the brand experience. It is therefore imperative for marketers to build closer connections between their brands and consumers. This, in turn, will provide them with a better return on their investment.
“Vizeum’s fresh approach to the increasingly complex media environment has already been well received by the clients we have spoken to as part of the consultation process that we began in March. As we begin this exciting journey, it is clear that the new network will provide our clients with a genuine competitive advantage.”
For further information contact:
Eric Drancourt
Chief Executive Office, Vizeum
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7070 7700
Martyn Rattle
Chief Operating Officer, Vizeum
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7070 7700
Charles Palmer
Financial Dynamics
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7831 3113
Notes to Editors:
The Vizeum network initially consists of the following offices:
Vizeum Austria – Vienna
Vizeum Czech Republic – Prague
Vizeum Finland – Helsinki
Vizeum France – Paris
Vizeum Germany – Wiesbaden and Hamburg
Vizeum Italy – Florence, Milan and Rome
Vizeum Hungary – Budapest
Vizeum Norway - Oslo
Vizeum Poland – Warsaw
Vizeum Spain – Barcelona and Madrid
Vizeum Sweden – Gothenburg and Stockholm
Vizeum UK - London
