Publicis buys Relaxnews for about €15 million

PARIS–Advertising agency Publicis SA (PUB.FR) Monday said it bought French press agency Relaxnews (ALRLX.FR) for 9.58 euros ($10.4) a share or a total value of about EUR15 million. Publicis had entered into exclusive negotiations with shareholders of Relaxnews to buy the company in February at the same price.

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Agency profits hit ten year low

Operating profit margins declined by nearly a sixth in 2013 to just 11.9 per cent, the lowest level since 2004. The absolute level of profits also declined by 10 per cent in real terms year on year, with the top 40 making £68 million of operating profit compared to £73m last time round

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