In such a context, the Groupe succeeded in delivering solid results thanks to the transformation undertaken several years earlier. Several factors were decisive in the Groupe’s performance: the Groupe’s investment in data and technology, with the acquisitions of Sapient and then Epsilon; its country organization, which enabled it to support its clients as closely as possible at each stage of the crisis and to provide a complete offer combining data, technology, media and creativity in an integrated manner; and its Marcel platform, which enabled the Groupe to adapt and act quickly by allocating resources efficiently.
2021 was exceptional in more than one aspect. Firstly, it saw a strong rebound in advertising spend globally, boosted by general economic growth and multiple stimuli from central banks and governments. It was also marked by the continuation of structural changes in the industry, in first‑party data management, new digital media, the evolution of commerce and the digital business transformation. In this context, the Groupe acquired CitrusAd, the technological platform that optimizes the marketing performance of brands directly on e‑commerce sites. Financially, the Groupe posted record results in 2021, with all indicators exceeding their 2019 levels.
The Groupe emerged from this pandemic both strengthened and ever more committed, as evidenced by the progress recorded this year in terms of ESG, which is reflected by taking first place, in our sector, in the rankings of eight of the top ten rating agencies.
In 2022, the Groupe’s revenues exceeded euro 14 billion for the first time and net revenue euro 12 billion, driven in particular by double‑digit organic growth for the second consecutive year. The Groupe made several acquisitions in the field of data (Retargetly in Latin America), commerce (Profitero) and expertise in digital transformation (Tremend). In addition, the Groupe announced the creation of a joint venture with Carrefour, Unlimitail to respond to the booming Retail Media market in Continental Europe and Latin America.
On the ESG front, the Groupe laid the foundations for a major initiative, #WorkingWithCancer, aimed at eradicating the stigma of cancer in the workplace, by supporting affected employees or those whose relatives are affected by the disease. Many companies have joined the project since the beginning of 2023.
In a particularly difficult macroeconomic context, and after six years of transformation, Publicis clearly stood out in 2023, with a financial performance that far exceeded that of its competitors. With revenue of nearly euro 15 billion in 2023, Publicis reinforced its position as the second‑largest player in the industry and the leading player in terms of market capitalization. During the year, the Groupe made several acquisitions: Yieldify in the field of technological marketing; Practia, one of the leaders in digital transformation in Latin America; and Corra, a leader in e‑commerce recognized by Adobe as the one of the best companies in North America.
