Following the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Publicis announced in March 2022 its withdrawal from Russia, with the transfer of control of its agencies to local management. The Groupe transferred control of its operations to Sergey Koptev, founding Chairman of Publicis in Russia, with a contractual commitment to ensure a future for its 1,200 employees in the country. Publicis stopped its business and investments in Russia, and the cession was effective immediately. This disposal, effective immediately, led to an exceptional loss on disposal of euro 87 million. Russia has been deconsolidated since April 1, 2022.
Total acquisition costs for entities integrated during 2022 (gross payments, after excluding cash and cash equivalents acquired) came to euro 523 million, including euro 119 million in earn‑out payments. In addition, euro 49 million was paid out as part of the disposal of Russia (cash of divested entities).
In 2023, Publicis announced the acquisition of Practia, based in Buenos Aires, a leading Latin American independent technology company and provider of digital business transformation services. With its 1,200 experienced professionals, this acquisition will position Publicis Sapient to enter the Latin America market while establishing a foundation for a nearshore delivery platform that will enable the Company to better service clients based in North America.
Publicis also completed the acquisition of Publicis Sapient AI Labs, an innovative artificial intelligence research and development joint venture launched in 2020 in partnership between Publicis Sapient, Elder Research and Tquila. The acquisition will further strengthen Publicis Sapient’s data and AI capabilities, and enable the company to develop innovative solutions across industries for a wide range of applications, such as generative AI, Natural Language Processing (NLP), computer vision and autonomous systems.
In digital transformation, the Groupe acquired Corra, based in New York, a leader in e‑commerce recognized by Adobe as one of the best e‑commerce companies in North America. Corra will augment Publicis Sapient’s existing expertise in commerce solutions, including Adobe Commerce, while extending Publicis Sapient’s offerings in digital and omnichannel commerce. By acquiring Corra, Publicis Sapient will further establish itself as a global leader across the entire Adobe Product Suite, in addition to further cementing its already leading capabilities.
In June, Publicis and Carrefour announced the launch of their joint‑venture Unlimitail to address the booming Retail Media demand in Continental Europe, Brazil and Argentina.
Unlimitail will partner with retailers and brands, bringing unequaled scale, connectivity and consistency for Retail Media to reach its full potential in those regions. It is built on the most advanced technologies, “CitrusAd powered by Epsilon,” and the deepest retail expertise from Carrefour in the mass market retail sector. Unlimitail has already converted its first 13 retail partners, representing together more than 120 million loyalty customers.
Finally, in December, the Groupe announced the launch of PS Hummingbird, a joint venture with Tquila to expand Publicis Sapient’s generative AI offerings. PS Hummingbird operates as an independent entity and offers end‑to‑end services including strategy and planning, user experience and process design, data analysis, implementation, testing, training and long‑term support.
Total acquisition costs for entities integrated during 2023 (gross payments, after excluding cash and cash equivalents acquired) came to euro 194 million, including euro 71 million in earn‑out payments.
On January 18, 2024, Publicis Groupe Singapore announced the acquisition of AKA Asia, one of Singapore’s leading integrated communications agencies. Founded in 2009, AKA is a respected player in Southeast Asia and has received numerous awards for its innovative communication campaigns. This acquisition will enable Publicis Groupe to expand and diversify its capabilities in the market while strengthening its offering in strategic communications, public relations and influence. AKA joins the Groupe’s regional Influence division.
On March 12, 2024, Publicis Sapient announced the acquisition of Spinnaker SCA, a supply chain services company providing consulting on supply chain strategy, planning and management. Founded in 2002 and based in Boulder in the United States, Spinnaker SCA will strengthen Publicis Sapient's supply chain capabilities and competencies, particularly in data analysis assisted by artificial intelligence and machine learning, the use of digital twins, plant and logistics management and, more broadly, all digital supply chain services. Spinnaker SCA will enable Publicis Sapient to offer agile solutions to its clients to optimize their supply chains as part of their digital transformation.
There are no other significant investments or divestments underway.
