Universal Registration Document 2022

4.2.9.2 With the media

The media and the platforms are key Groupe partners: they are the suppliers that agencies deal with on a daily basis in different countries. Publicis Groupe has always been very committed to media pluralism and is often engaged in supporting media diversity and respect for media neutrality. The Once And For All Coalition is an illustration of the active way in which we want to build long-term partnerships (see Section 4.2.2.1).

In a completely separate manner, the Groupe’s Communication Department supports the schedule of the Company’s official announcements and major cross-functional projects such as: #WorkingWithCancer. Agency communication focuses on projects that they have completed for clients and on campaigns and awards. The Groupe’s Communication Department also keeps all stakeholders informed. Employees, shareholders, the general public and institutional investors are informed via different communication tools (media, website, social networks, newsletter, etc.).

4.2.9.3 With consumer and environmental protection associations

In every country where the Groupe operates, these associations are key stakeholders in the local ecosystem. The agencies are called upon to work with a large number of these on communication projects. Particular attention remains focused on organizations fighting against social and racial injustices. The climate emergency encourages more regular exchanges with environmental associations or biodiversity protection (fauna and flora), in order to find cooperation with certain clients, industrial or service companies. The agencies promote the co-construction of solutions with expert partners (see Section 4.2.2 with examples in France or the United Kingdom). At the head office in Paris, the Groupe has built a long-term relationship with Apiflordev, which helps communities of women in Africa set up their apiary, which becomes a lever for economic and social development (see Section 4.3.4).

4.2.9.4 With supervisory and self-regulatory authorities and inter-professional bodies

In the majority of countries where the Groupe operates, regular cooperation takes place with the different industry regulatory bodies and/or industry self-regulation is organized, through professional networks, and work carried out within the industry on common issues. The challenges surrounding the protection of personal data are an illustration of this: advertising is one player among many others. Permanent collective work with all stakeholders is therefore essential (see Section 4.2.2).

Although the communications industry has a framework of rules and sometimes laws too, the profession has always promoted professional self-regulatory mechanisms to ensure that the ethics of advertising content are respected. The Groupe and its agencies work hand in hand with various national bodies such as ASRC (Advertising and Self-Regulation Council) in the United States, ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) in the United Kingdom, ARPP (Autorité de régulation professionnelle de la publicité) in France, EASA (European Advertising Standards Alliance) in Europe, and the ASC (Advertising Standards Council) in India.

4.2.9.5 With States and administrations

Publicis Groupe is a responsible taxpayer that complies with its tax obligations (payment of taxes). This means:

• comply with the tax laws applicable in each country;
• prepare and file tax returns in an accurate and timely manner, in accordance with applicable regulations;
• understand how and where value is created and ensure that transfer pricing reflects this;
• employ appropriately qualified and trained tax professionals with the right levels of tax expertise and understanding of the business.

The Groupe’s fiscal policy is based on these four principles:

1. Compliance: the Groupe always acts in compliance with applicable laws and international rules; Publicis Groupe does not practice tax evasion and does not resort to any practices contrary to regulations;
2. Transparency: the Groupe complies with all tax disclosure requirements and prior requests to the tax authorities when required and all information is clearly presented to the relevant authorities. Openness and honesty are paramount in all dealings with the tax authorities;
3. Tax risk management strategy: to the extent the Groupe undertakes tax planning, it takes place where there is a business purpose or commercial rationale. The Groupe manages tax risks on the back of an analysis of the risks;
4. Accountability & Governance: the Groupe ensures that, as a business, it has the mechanisms in place to adhere to the above principles. The tax strategy is monitored by the Finance Department, in tandem with General Management (see Section 6.6, Notes 1 and 9 in this document).